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The first human case of H5N1, commonly known as bird flu or bird flu, has been confirmed in Los Angeles County, Californiain relation to an adult who was exposed to livestock.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said the person who contracted bird flu had mild symptoms, was treated with antiviral medication and is now recovering at home.
Although this is the first human case in the county, the public health department said the overall risk of H5 bird flu to the public remains low, adding that there is currently no evidence of person-to-person spread of the virus.
However, those who are in close contact with an infected person, as well as other workers at the workplace, are monitored for symptoms and offered testing, antiviral prophylaxis and personal protective equipment.
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The CDC said Wednesday that a patient was hospitalized with a severe case of H5N1 infection in Louisiana. (Reuters/Dado Ruvić/Illustration/File Photo)
The 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 infection. This case reminds us to take basic precautions to prevent exposure,” said LA County Health Officer Muntu Davis. “People should avoid unprotected contact with sick or dead animals, including cows, 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 flu vaccine, which he said can help prevent severe seasonal flu illness and reduce the risk of getting seasonal and bird flu infections at the same time if exposed.
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Stained transmission electron micrograph of avian influenza A H5N1 virus (seen in gold) grown in MDCK cells (seen in green). (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)
Symptoms of bird flu in humans include red or watery eyes, fever, cough or difficulty breathing, sore throat, muscle aches, diarrhea and vomiting.
The news comes just a few days later California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency due to bird flu.
Newsom issued a state of emergency following an outbreak of the virus among dairy cows on farms in Southern California.
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At least two farm workers were infected with H5N1 bird flu this year. (iStock)
After initially being reported in Texas and Kansas in March, bird flu has been confirmed in cattle in 16 US states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“This proclamation is a targeted action to ensure that government agencies have the resources and flexibility needed to respond quickly to this outbreak,” Newsom said in a statement.
Also, the first case of severe bird flu was confirmed last week human patient in Louisiana, according to the CDC.
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The health agency claims that “the current risk to public health is low,” but said he was “monitoring the situation carefully.”
Fox News Digital’s Melissa Rudy contributed to this report.
