Los Angeles reports its first human case of H5 bird flu amid a State of Emergency, raising concerns about the virus’s spread beyond poultry and wild birds.
At a Glance
- First human H5 bird flu case detected in Los Angeles County
- California declares State of Emergency due to bird flu outbreak in dairy cattle
- 65 human cases reported in 2024, mostly in California
- Public health officials stress low risk to general public
- Recommendations include avoiding raw milk and taking precautions when handling livestock
Los Angeles Reports First Human Case of H5 Bird Flu
In a concerning development, Los Angeles County has reported its first human case of H5 bird flu, adding to the growing number of infections across the United States. This case comes amid a broader outbreak that has primarily affected poultry and wild birds but has also spread to dairy cattle in recent months. The announcement has heightened public health concerns, although officials maintain that the risk to the general population remains low.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a State of Emergency in response to the escalating situation.
“This proclamation is a targeted action to ensure government agencies have the resources and flexibility they need,” Newsom stated.
The declaration aims to enhance monitoring efforts and coordinate a comprehensive statewide response to the outbreak.
Public Health has confirmed a human case of H5 bird flu in an adult who was exposed to livestock infected with H5 Bird flu at a worksite. This is the first human case of H5 bird flu detected in LA County.
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— LA Public Health (@lapublichealth) December 24, 2024
Outbreak Statistics and Public Health Response
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that since April 2024, there have been 65 confirmed human cases of H5 bird flu in the United States. California has been particularly hard hit, accounting for 35 of these cases, the highest number in any state. Most of the infections have been linked to exposure to sick animals, particularly dairy cattle and poultry.
“CDC confirms first severe case of H5N1 bird flu in the United States,” CDC Media Relations said.
Despite the growing number of cases, health officials emphasize that the immediate risk to public health remains low. Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, a public health expert, noted, “Infections without a clear source of exposure do occur; neither these cases nor the cases with known animal or animal products exposure have resulted in human-to-human transmission.”
Precautions and Recommendations
As the outbreak continues to evolve, public health officials are urging residents to take precautions. Los Angeles County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis stated, “People rarely get bird flu, but those who interact with infected livestock or wildlife have a greater risk of infection.” The public is advised to avoid contact with sick or dead animals, particularly wild birds and poultry.
“While the risk to the public remains low, we will continue to take all necessary steps to prevent the spread of this virus,” California Gov. Gavin Newsom said.
Health authorities are also recommending that people avoid consuming raw milk, as the virus has been detected in unpasteurized milk from infected dairy cows. Those who work with livestock are advised to wear appropriate personal protective equipment and follow CDC guidelines to minimize the risk of infection.
