California announces a state of emergency after an outbreak of bird flu, H5N1 is primarily spread amongst wild birds and poultry on farms – but is now being seen in humans
A state of emergency has been declared in California as bird flu sweeps across the US.
On Wednesday, California announced a state of emergency over bird flu after an outbreak amongst the state’s dairy cattle.
61 people have been diagnosed with the avian influenza virus, H5N1, since April 2024. Bird flu’s severity in humans can range from no symptoms at all to a severe disease that results in death.
This announcement comes after a Louisiana man was hospitalised from a severe case of H5N1. This instance marks the first case to be linked to backyard poultry flock.
The virus primarily spread amongst wild birds and poultry on farms. This year it begun to be detected in dairy cows and humans.
The reported symptoms of the virus are: mild flu-like upper respiratory symptoms, pneumonia requiring hospitalisation and a high temperature above 37C.
Like all flus, the virus is primarily spread through droplets in the air which are inhaled in or gets into someone’s eyes, mouth, eyes or nose. Mild symptoms include cough, sore throat, a runny or stiff nose and sore muscles or body aches, headaches, fatigue, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
Similar to Covid, doctors are unable to clinically diagnose bird flu based on symptoms and laboratory testing is required for diagnosis. Pink eye and conjunctivitis are among common symptoms in this outbreak.
The CDC, Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, said in the alert: “Avian influenza virus infection has previously been associated with severe human illness in other counties during the 2024 and prior years, including resulting in death.
“No person-to-person spread of H5 bird flu has been detected. This case does not change CDS’s overall assessment of the immediate risk to the public’s health from H5N1 bird flu, which remains low.”
The CDC urged those with direct contact with the birds to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and to avoid touching surfaces that could have come in contact with infected animals.