ContagionLive A third possible human case of bird flu has been identified in California, with the individual having had contact with infected dairy cattle in the Central Valley. Specimens are currently being sent to the CDC for confirmatory testing. Despite this new case, health officials maintain that the risk to the public remains low. Importantly, none of the individuals have required hospitalization.1
In the last 30 days, 79 livestock herds have been affected by the virus in California, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.2 All three reported human cases involved individuals who interacted with animals at different farms. The latest case mirrors the previous two, with the individual experiencing mild symptoms such as conjunctivitis, eye redness or discharge. In late March 2024, a dairy farm worker in Texas tested positive for the H5N1 virus after experiencing symptoms like eye discomfort. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) emphasizes that while the public is not at significant risk, those in direct contact with infected animals—particularly farm workers—are at an elevated risk for contracting the virus. To mitigate this risk, CDPH recommends the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including N95 masks, eye protection, and gloves for anyone working with potentially infected animals or materials.