California Reports First Two Human Cases of H5N1 Bird Flu in Dairy Workers with Mild Symptoms

Oct 3, 2024, 04:59 PM

California has reported its first two human cases of H5N1 bird flu, both involving dairy workers who had contact with infected cattle in the Central Valley. The California Department of Public Health confirmed that both individuals experienced mild symptoms, including conjunctivitis, and there is no known link between the two cases. These cases bring the total number of human H5N1 infections in the United States to 16 this year. Health officials are monitoring other exposed workers for symptoms. The CDC is conducting confirmatory testing and maintains that the risk to the general public remains low. The nationwide outbreak has also affected cattle and poultry, with 256 known mammal herds infected across 14 states.