A child in Alameda County, California, has tested positive for bird flu, despite having no direct contact with infected animals, according to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). The child, who displayed mild upper respiratory symptoms, has been treated and is recovering at home, state officials announced.

Although the source of the exposure remains unclear, health officials are investigating whether the child may have come into contact with wild birds. The initial test showed a low-level detection of the virus, suggesting the child was not infectious to others. Subsequent tests four days later were negative for bird flu but positive for other respiratory viruses, likely the cause of the child’s symptoms. The test specimens have been sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for confirmation.

State officials emphasized that the risk to public health is minimal. “We understand people may be concerned, but based on the information we have, we do not believe the child was infectious,” said CDPH Director Dr Tomas Aragon. He added that no human-to-human spread of bird flu has been documented globally for over 15 years.

Bird Flu Cases On The Rise In The US

The United States has reported 53 human bird flu cases this year, with most involving exposure to infected poultry or dairy cows. California leads the country with 27 confirmed cases, excluding the Alameda County child. Other states reporting human infections include Washington, Colorado, and Oregon, which recorded its first case last week.

The outbreak has also expanded to other animals. While bird flu has primarily affected poultry since 2022, it began spreading to dairy cows in March and was detected in a pig for the first time last month.

The possibility of human-to-human transmission remains a major concern among public health experts, although no such cases have been confirmed in the US. For instance, another person in Missouri recently tested positive for bird flu after sharing a home with an infected person. However, the CDC clarified that the simultaneous onset of symptoms in both individuals suggests a common exposure rather than a person-to-person spread.

Globally, cases of bird flu in humans are also being closely monitored. Earlier this month, Canadian health officials reported that a teenager in British Columbia had been hospitalized in critical condition with suspected bird flu. The teen had no known contact with infected animals, marking the first reported human case of the virus in both the province and Canada.

Dr Bonnie Henry, British Columbia’s provincial health officer, confirmed that the H5 virus was detected during initial testing. Samples have been sent to the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg for further analysis. So far, testing of people who had contact with the teen has not revealed additional infections.

The CDC has assured the public that the immediate risk from H5N1 bird flu remains low, especially for those without direct exposure to infected animals. However, experts warn that the potential for human-to-human transmission warrants vigilance.

“We should be very concerned at this point,” said Dr James Lawler, co-director of the University of Nebraska’s Global Center for Health Security, in an interview with The New York Times. While he advised against panic, Dr Lawler stressed the need for increased resources to better understand and contain the outbreak.

Since March, more than 549 dairy herds in 15 states have been affected by bird flu. Additionally, the virus continues to spread among wild and domestic birds across the country.

Symptoms and Prevention

Bird flu symptoms in humans can range from mild respiratory issues to severe complications. State officials urge people to remain alert to signs of the virus, such as fever, cough, sore throat, or difficulty breathing, especially if they’ve had contact with birds or other animals potentially infected with avian influenza.

Preventive measures include avoiding direct contact with birds, washing hands frequently, and reporting sick or dead birds to local authorities. Public health agencies are also advising healthcare providers to be vigilant for potential cases, particularly in people with exposure to infected animals.

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