Los Angeles County, California, has confirmed the first human case of H5N1, commonly known as avian or avian influenza, linked to an adult exposed to livestock.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said the patient infected with avian flu had mild symptoms, was treated with antiviral drugs and is currently recovering at home.
While this is the first human case in the county, Public Health said the overall risk to the public from H5 bird flu remains low, adding that there is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission of the virus.
Nonetheless, those in close contact with infected individuals, as well as other workers in the workplace, are being monitored for symptoms and receiving testing, antiviral prophylaxis, and personal protective equipment.
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A person with severe H5N1 infection has been hospitalized in Louisiana, the CDC said Wednesday. (Reuters/Dado Ruvic/Picture/File Photo)
The case is part of an ongoing investigation involving the county public health department, the California Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Los Angeles County Health Officer Muntu Davis said: “People rarely get infected with avian influenza, but people who come into contact with infected livestock or wildlife are at greater risk. This case is a reminder to take basic precautions. measures to prevent infection. “People should avoid unprotected contact with sick or dead animals, including cattle, poultry, and wild birds; avoid eating raw or undercooked animal products, such as raw milk; and protect pets. and backyard poultry are protected from contact with wildlife.
Davis also encouraged people to get vaccinated against seasonal influenza, which he said can help prevent severe seasonal influenza illness and reduce the risk of contracting both seasonal and avian influenza.
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Color transmission electron micrograph of avian influenza A H5N1 virus (gold) grown in MDCK cells (green). (The Smith Collection/Gadot/Getty Images)
Symptoms of bird flu in humans include red eyes or discharge, fever, cough or difficulty breathing, sore throat, muscle aches, diarrhea and vomiting.
The news comes days after California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency due to bird flu.
Newsom declares a state of emergency after a virus outbreak among dairy cows on a Southern California farm.
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At least two farm workers have been infected with H5N1 bird flu this year. (iStock)
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cases of avian influenza have been reported in cattle in 16 U.S. states, following first reports of the disease in Texas and Kansas in March.
“This announcement is a targeted action to ensure government agencies have the resources and flexibility they need to quickly respond to this outbreak,” Newsom said in a statement.
Additionally, last week, Louisiana confirmed its first case of severe bird flu, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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The health agency insisted the “current public health risk is low” but said it was “closely monitoring developments”.
Fox News Digital’s Melissa Rudy contributed to this report.
