Advertisement

First U.S. Child Tests Positive for Bird Flu  

So far this year, 55 human cases of H5 bird flu have been reported in the U.S., with 29 in California where the child lives. 

November 26, 2024

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed a child infected with bird flu in AlamedaCounty, California. This is the first reported bird flu virus infection in a child in the United States and follows a reported case in a teen in Canada.   

Consistent with previously identified U.S. human cases, the child reportedly experienced mild symptoms, received flu antivirals, and is recovering at home. Meanwhile, CNN reported the Canadian teen has been hospitalized in critical condition with the virus since early November. It is unknown how the Canadian teen and the California youth caught the bird flu virus, and investigation into the cases is ongoing by health officials.  

For the U.S. child, initial testing showed low levels of bird flu viral material detected, and follow-up testing of the child several days later was negative for bird flu but was positive for other common respiratory viruses.   

During the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) department investigation, all household members reported having symptoms and specimens were collected from them. All test results from members of the household were negative for bird flu. Contact tracing continues, but currently no evidence exists of person-to-person spread of bird flu from this child to others. To date, no person-to-person spread has been identified associated with any of the bird flu cases reported in the U.S.  

This case was detected through influenza testing and reported to CDPH through influenza surveillance. This is the second U.S. case identified through national surveillance. CDC continues to monitor available data frominfluenza surveillance systems, particularly in states affected by outbreaks in animals, including California, where widespread outbreaks of bird flu have been detected in wild birds and domestic poultry since 2022 and dairy herds since August 2024 in that state.  

Limited and sporadic human infections with bird flu virus, when animal exposure was not identified, are very uncommon but have occurred, primarily in countries other than the U.S., the CDC said. These instances underscore the importance of ongoing surveillance and investigations at the local, state, and federal levels.   

Including this most recent case, as of Nov. 22, 55 human cases of H5 bird flu have now been reported in the U.S. this year, with 29 in California.  

CDC’s risk assessment for the public is low. However, people with exposure to infected or potentially infected animals, such as birds, dairy cattle, or other animals (including livestock), or to environments contaminated by infected birds or other animals, are at higher risk of infection. CDC recommends avoiding unprotected exposures to sick or dead animals, including wild birds, poultry, other domesticated birds, and other wild or domesticated animals (including cows).  

Additionally, on Monday the CDPH warned consumers not to drink one batch of cream top, whole raw milk from Raw Farm, LLC of Fresno County due to a detection of bird flu virus. A recall has been issued.  

No illnesses associated with this lot of raw milk have been reported. Out of an abundance of caution, and due to the ongoing spread of bird flu in dairy cows, poultry, and sporadic human cases, CDPH said consumers should not consume any of the affected raw milk. Customers should immediately return any remaining product to the retail point of purchase. CDPH is also notifying retailers to remove the affected raw milk from their shelves.  

Public health experts have long warned consumers against consuming raw milk or raw milk products due to elevated risks of foodborne illness. Outbreaks due to Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, toxin-producing E. coli, Brucella, Campylobacter, and many other bacteria have all been reported related to consuming raw dairy products.   

Latest Articles

Best Practices From the EVS Experts
March 26, 2025 Marilyn Clifton

Best Practices From the EVS Experts

March 24, 2025 Kathleen Misovic

Look Beyond the Spray and Pray Model to Eliminate Pests

March 21, 2025 Kathleen Misovic

2025 CMM In-House/Facility Management Benchmarking Survey Report

Sponsored Articles

Spartan Chemical Recognized as a Safer Choice® Partner of the Year for 2024
March 19, 2025 Sponsored by SPARTAN CHEMICAL CO.

Spartan Chemical Recognized as a Safer Choice® Partner of the Year for 2024

March 19, 2025 Sponsored by SOFIDEL AMERICAN CORP

Welcome to the New Papernet World

March 19, 2025 Sponsored by PORTIONPAC CHEMICAL 

Less is More™: Smarter Cleaning, Greater Savings

Recent News

measles

First Measles Case Reported in Tennessee

ISSA Announces Winners of Inaugural Spotless Spaces Competition

Read the March/April 2025 Issue of CMM Online