California Child Diagnosed with H5N1: Health Authorities Investigate

The CDC has indicated that, so far, there is no evidence that the virus has evolved to spread easily between humans. Nov 22, 2024 Photo: @COVID19_disease

November 22, 2024 Hour: 5:29 pm

The CDC reported that contact tracing is still ongoing and that there is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission of the virus. This case was identified through influenza testing and represents the second finding in the US virus surveillance program.

Canada Confirms First Domestically Acquired Human Case of H5N1 Bird Flu

The US health authorities reported on Friday that a case of avian influenza was detected in a child in California, marking the first recorded infection in a child in the country. Although the child’s age has not been revealed, it is reported that they are in the recovery process, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is conducting an investigation to identify a possible source of exposure to the H5N1 virus, but so far, it has not been found. In addition, all members of the child’s household showed symptoms, but tests were negative for avian influenza.

CDC has confirmed an H5 bird flu case in a child in California. The patient had mild symptoms, received flu antivirals, and is recovering. The public risk assessment remains low, but people should avoid exposure to sick or dead animals, including wild birds, poultry, cows, and… pic.twitter.com/ObmbrVZGX1
— CDC (@CDCgov) November 22, 2024

Since 2022, California has experienced significant outbreaks of H5N1 avian influenza in wild and domestic birds. Since August 2024, cases have also been reported in dairy herds.

Although human infections with this virus are rare and generally occur outside the US, 55 human cases have been documented in the country during 2024, with 29 of them in California.

The first case of H5N1 in Texas was reported in April when a farm worker tested positive after being exposed to infected cows.

The CDC has indicated that, so far, there is no evidence that the virus has evolved to spread easily between humans.