Los Angeles County health officials reported the first human case of bird flu in the area less than a week after a statewide emergency declaration was announced.
In a statement released Monday, the LA County Department of Public Health said the human case of H5 bird flu was discovered in an adult who was exposed to livestock infected with the virus at a workplace.
The unnamed adult had mild symptoms, has been treated with antivirals and is recovering at home, according to the agency.
“The overall risk of H5 bird flu to the public remains low,” health officials said.
Three influenza A (H5N1/bird flu) virus particles (rod-shaped). Note: The layout incorporates two CDC transmission electron micrographs that have been inverted, repositioned, and colorized by NIAID. The scale has been changed.
CDC and NIAID
There are at least 65 confirmed human cases of bird flu nationally — with at least 36 in California, according to the CDC.
California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on December 18 when bird flu cases were discovered in dairy cows on farms in Southern California. The virus had also previously been detected in the state’s Central Valley.
“This proclamation is a targeted action to ensure that government agencies have the resources and flexibility they need to respond quickly to this outbreak,” Newsom said in a statement last week.
Symptoms of bird flu in humans include eye redness or discharge, fever, cough or difficulty breathing, sore throat, muscle or body aches, diarrhea and vomiting, according to health officials.
People who work with infected animals, including cows, poultry or wildlife, remain at greater risk of exposure to the virus.
“People rarely get bird flu, but those who interact with infected livestock or wildlife are at greater risk of infection. This case reminds us to take basic precautions to prevent exposure,” Los Angeles County Health Officer Muntu Davis, MD, MPH , said in the statement on Monday.
“People should avoid unprotected contact with sick or dead animals, including cows, poultry and wild birds; avoid consuming raw or undercooked animal products, such as raw milk; and protect backyard pets and poultry from exposure to wild animals,” added Davis.
The health authority also recommended getting the seasonal flu vaccine “which can help prevent severe seasonal flu illness and reduce the risk of getting both seasonal and avian flu infections at the same time if exposed.”
