Reports from the CDC or state health departments.

California Declares Emergency as First Human H5N1 Case Confirmed; 65 Human Cases, 675 Infected Herds Reported

Dec 26, 2024, 07:46 PM

California has declared a state of emergency in response to a rising number of bird flu cases, including the first confirmed human case of H5N1 in Los Angeles County. Governor Gavin Newsom announced the emergency on December 25, 2024, emphasizing the need for proactive measures. The outbreak has escalated, with California reporting 675 infected dairy herds, contributing to a national total of 891 cases across 16 states. The human cases this year have reached 65, with exposures primarily linked to dairy farms and poultry operations. The situation has raised concerns about the virus's potential mutations, which could enhance its ability to infect humans. The CDC has noted that mutations in the virus from a severe case in Louisiana may improve its attachment to human respiratory cells, prompting increased vigilance among health officials.