Is H5N1 Spreading Faster Than Expected? — Over 60 Infected and 866 Herds Affected
Five new human cases of H5N1 bird flu have been reported in California, along with Oregon’s first confirmed case. Health officials stated that all of these infections were transmitted from animals to humans, and there is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission. In California, around 75% of monitored wastewater sites have shown traces of the H5 virus.
The outbreak of H5N1 is spreading through California’s dairy herds and migratory birds traveling south. Recently, health authorities announced the discovery of six additional human infections: five in California and one in Oregon. A seventh case from California is awaiting confirmation from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
All the reported cases have been mild, with the individuals believed to have contracted the virus through contact with infected poultry or livestock. In California, the cases were primarily among dairy workers, while in Oregon, the infected individual worked in the poultry industry.
The H5N1 virus, also known as Type A bird flu, was first identified in U.S. dairy cattle in March. Since then, the virus has spread to at least 866 herds in 16 states.
More than 60 people across eight states have been infected, with most cases exhibiting mild symptoms, according to the U.S. However, one person in Louisiana has been hospitalized with the country’s first known severe case of the virus, health officials reported this week.
What is the reason behind California’s state of emergency declaration?
California declared a state of emergency to enhance the state’s ability to respond to the ongoing bird flu outbreak. Governor Gavin Newsom explained that the emergency declaration would help allocate state resources and personnel more effectively.
State officials have been monitoring large milk tanks during processing for traces of the virus, and they have detected H5N1 in at least 650 herds, which accounts for nearly three-quarters of all infected U.S. dairy herds. While the virus has been present in California’s Central Valley since August, it was recently found in dairy farms in Southern California as well.
How serious is the threat to the public from the virus?
Officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reaffirmed that the H5N1 virus presents a low risk to the general public. There have been no reports of human-to-human transmission, and there is no evidence to suggest the virus has evolved to spread more easily among people.
While flu experts generally agree with this assessment, they caution that it is too early to predict how the outbreak might develop. “The completely unsatisfying answer is: I don’t think we know yet,” said Richard Webby, an influenza expert at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Experts remain cautious, however, as flu viruses are constantly mutating, and even small genetic changes could alter the situation.
What precautions can people take to avoid infection?
People who have direct contact with dairy cows, commercial poultry, or backyard birds are at a higher risk of exposure to the H5N1 virus and should take precautions. Experts, including those from the CDC, recommend using respiratory protection, eye protection, and gloves when handling these animals.
Michael Osterholm, a public health expert at the University of Minnesota, advised that individuals should be especially cautious if birds appear sick or begin to die, emphasizing the need for careful handling of the animals.
To further protect farmworkers, the CDC has funded flu vaccinations to safeguard against seasonal flu and reduce the risk of co-infection with both seasonal and bird flu strains. This is important, as simultaneous infections could allow the bird flu virus to mutate into a more dangerous form. The government also recommends that farmworkers who have close contact with infected animals be tested and offered antiviral medications, even if they show no symptoms.
For more detailed information on bird flu, the CDC provides updates and resources on its website.
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Sources:
- Office of Governor Gavin Newsom, news release, December 18, 2024
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, health update, December 18, 2024
- British Columbia Ministry of Health, news release, November 9, 2024
- The New York Times
