CDC Confirms First U.S. Child Case of H5N1 Bird Flu in California; 55 Cases Nationwide

Nov 22, 2024, 06:56 PM

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed a human infection with H5N1 bird flu in a child in California, marking the first reported avian influenza H5 virus infection in a U.S. child. The child, from Alameda County, had mild upper respiratory symptoms and no known exposure to infected animals or poultry. The child received flu antivirals and is recovering. Household members tested negative for the virus. This case brings the total number of H5N1 cases in California to 29, with 55 cases reported nationwide this year. The CDC has stated that the public risk assessment remains low, but people should avoid exposure to sick or dead animals, including wild birds, poultry, and cows. The case has raised concerns about the potential for the virus to mutate and the implications of cryptic transmission.