The first human case of H5N1, more commonly known as bird flu or bird flu, has been confirmed Los Angeles County, Californiarelated to an adult exposed to livestock.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said the person who contracted the bird flu had mild symptoms, was treated with antivirals and is now recovering at home.
Although this is the first human case in the county, the health department said the overall risk of H5 bird flu to the public remains low, adding that there is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission of the virus.
Still, those in close contact with the infected person and other workers on the site will be monitored for symptoms and offered testing, antiviral prophylaxis and personal protective equipment.
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The CDC said Wednesday that a patient with a severe case of H5N1 infection was hospitalized in Louisiana. (Reuters/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo)
The case is part of an ongoing investigation involving the county health department, the California Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Humans rarely get bird flu, but those who interact with infected livestock or wild animals are at higher risk of infection. This case reminds us to take basic precautions to prevent infection,” said LA County Health Officer Muntu Davis. “People should avoid unprotected contact with sick or dead animals such as cows, poultry and wild birds; avoid consuming raw or undercooked animal products such as raw milk; and protect pets and backyard poultry from contact with wildlife.”
Davis also encouraged the public to get vaccinated against seasonal influenza, which he said can help prevent severe seasonal influenza illness and reduce the risk of co-infection with seasonal influenza and avian influenza if exposed to them.
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Colorized transmission electron micrograph of avian influenza A H5N1 viruses (visible in gold) grown in MDCK cells (visible in green). (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)
Symptoms of bird flu in humans include eye redness or discharge, fever, cough or difficulty breathing, sore throat, muscle pain, diarrhea and vomiting.
The news comes just a few days later California Governor Gavin Newsom A state of emergency was declared because of bird flu.
Newsom declared a state of emergency after an outbreak of the virus in dairy cows on Southern California farms.
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At least two farm workers have been infected with H5N1 bird flu this year. (iStock)
After first being reported in Texas and Kansas in March, bird flu has been confirmed in cattle in 16 U.S. states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported.
“This proclamation is a targeted measure to ensure government agencies have the resources and flexibility they need to respond quickly to this outbreak,” Newsom said in a statement.
Additionally, the first case of severe bird flu was confirmed in one last week human patient in Louisiana, according to the CDC.
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The health department claims that “the current Public health risk is low,” but said it was “monitoring the situation closely.”
Fox News Digital’s Melissa Rudy contributed to this report.
