4th human case of bird flu reported in California

The California Department of Public Health has confirmed the fourth human case of bird flu in the state.

The latest case involves an individual in the Central Valley who had contact with infected dairy cattle, officials said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has tested and confirmed the diagnosis.

All four known cases of bird flu in humans that have been reported in California have been linked to infected animals, and no human-to-human transmission has been identified, CPHD said.

“While the risk to the general public remains low, additional human cases of bird flu are expected to be identified and confirmed in California among individuals who have contact with infected dairy cattle,” said CDPH officials.

The known affected individuals have so far experienced only mild symptoms such as eye redness; none have required hospitalization.

Two additional potential cases, also in the Central Valley, are currently under review, with specimens sent to the CDC for testing.

“CDPH continues to work closely with local health jurisdictions to identify, track, test, confirm, and treat possible and confirmed human cases of bird flu,” officials said.

Despite the low risk to the public, CDPH urges farm workers, particularly those in dairy and poultry operations, to wear personal protective equipment when handling animals.

The department has distributed over 340,000 respirators and other protective gear to farm workers across the state.

CDPH says there is currently no evidence to suggest that the virus is currently able to spread more easily between people. The virus also does not appear to have any increased resistance to current antiviral medications.

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