The first human case of H5N1 virus, commonly known as bird flu, has been confirmed in Los Angeles County in Californiaregarding an adult subjected to livestock.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said the person who contracted bird flu had mild symptoms and was treated with antiviral medications and is now recovering at home.
While this is the first human case in the province, the Department of Public Health said the overall risk of H5 avian influenza to the public remains low, adding that there is currently no evidence of the virus spreading from person to person.
However, those in close contact with the infected person, as well as other workers at the worksite, are being monitored for symptoms and offered testing, antiviral prophylaxis and personal protective equipment.
Governor Newsom declares a state of emergency in California due to bird flu
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Wednesday that a patient was hospitalized with a severe case of H5N1 infection in Louisiana. (Reuters/Dado Rovik/Illustration/archive photo)
This case is part of an ongoing investigation involving the county Department of Public Health, the California Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“People rarely get bird flu, but those who interact with infected livestock or wildlife are at greater risk of becoming infected,” said Monto Davis, Los Angeles County Health Officer. “This case reminds us to take basic precautions to prevent exposure.” “People should avoid unprotected contact with sick or dead animals including cattle, poultry, and wild birds; avoid consuming raw or undercooked animal products, such as raw milk; and protect pets and backyard poultry from exposure to wild animals.”
Davis also encouraged the public to get the seasonal influenza vaccine, which he said can help prevent severe seasonal influenza illness and reduce the risk of both seasonal infection and bird flu if exposed.
Bird flu kills cats and zoo animals as the virus spreads in the United States
Color electron micrographs of avian influenza A H5N1 viruses (seen in gold) grown in MDCK cells (seen in green). (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)
Symptoms of bird flu in humans include eye redness or discharge, fever, cough or difficulty breathing, sore throat, muscle pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.
The news comes only days later California Governor Gavin Newsom Declaring a state of emergency due to bird flu.
Newsom issued a state of emergency after an outbreak of the virus among dairy cows on Southern California farms.
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At least two farm workers were infected with the H5N1 bird flu virus this year. (Istock)
After initially being reported in Texas and Kansas in March, bird flu has been confirmed in cattle in 16 US states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said.
“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.
Also last week, the first severe case of bird flu was confirmed in the region Human patient In Louisiana, according to the CDC.
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The Health Agency confirms that “the current… Risk to public health “Low,” but she said she was “monitoring the situation carefully.”
Fox News Digital's Melissa Ruddy contributed to this report.
