13 bird flu cases now reported in Central Valley: ‘Risk remains low’

FRESNO, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – A total of 13 cases of human bird flu have been confirmed by state health officials, and all cases originated within the Central Valley, according to an announcement Friday afternoon.

The California Department of Public Health has not revealed where in the Central Valley the human bird flu cases originated from, but state health officials say the “risk remains low” for the general public.

Also on Friday afternoon, the Kings County Department of Public Health announced two human cases of bird flu in Kings County. County officials say the virus was first detected in August. Public health officials have been monitoring workers for illness at dairy facilities experiencing a bird flu outbreak in their cattle.

Starting next week, the California Department of Public Health says notification about future confirmed cases of bird flu will be posted on the department’s dedicated bird flu website .

According to the California Department of Public Health, as the individuals with bird flu infections have been exposed to infected cows, the evidence continues to suggest only animal-to-human spread of the virus is taking place in California.

None of those infected have been hospitalized, officials add.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS47 and KSEE24 | YourCentralValley.com.