The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed a child infected with bird flu in Alameda County, 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 from influenza 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.   

ISSA Show North America 2024 gathered more than 600 exhibiting brands to connect with building service contractors, facility service professionals, distributors, and residential cleaning firms at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nov. 17-21.  

ISSA Show North America, hosted alongside the Building Service Contractors Association International’s (BSCAI) Contracting Success conference, convened more than 12,000 registered industry professionals from 75 countries to discover products, technology, services, and materials that enhance cleaning standards.   

“This event is a true representation of the global reach of the cleaning and facility solutions industry, bringing together thousands of professionals from numerous countries, spanning every sector of the cleaning and hygiene industry,” said John Barrett, ISSA Executive Director. “It is a testament to ISSA’s worldwide position and underscores our commitment to uniting annually under one roof as we celebrate progress and collectively create plans for future success.”  

Leading suppliers exhibiting on the expansive trade show floor included Clorox Pro, Georgia-Pacific Professional (GP PRO), Hoover & Oreck Commercial, Kimberly-Clark Professional, Nilfisk, Procter & Gamble Professional (P&G PRO), Rubbermaid Commercial Products, Reckitt Benckiser Professional, Spartan Chemical Company Inc., and SC Johnson Professional, in addition to 137 first-time exhibitors.  

“ISSA Show North America is the cleaning industry’s most important event, gathering the entire industry and fostering innovation and collaboration through organic networking in the expo, curated meeting spaces, and access to thought leaders. These connections go beyond the show floor, and into our homes, businesses, schools, and establishments worldwide, ensuring cleaner, safer environments for all,” said Ed Nichols, ISSA Show North America show director. “Alongside the unparalleled access to these trusted brands and products, we celebrate innovation, the industry’s emerging leaders, global contributors, game-changers, and all those working to redefine how the world cleans and prioritizes safety.”  

In addition to its robust show floor, ISSA Show North America delivered 165 hours of conference programming across four days, including essential training, management courses, and global trend presentations. Education topics included employee engagement strategies, artificial intelligence, robotics and automation, methods to build customer trust, and partnership leverage tactics. Specialized areas on the expo floor brought to life top-of-mind industry discourse through the Sustainability & Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Hub, Business Solutions Theater, and the CleanMeet Zone, which hosted panel discussions, networking meetups, educational presentations, and roundtable discussions.  

Innovation is a key component to drive purposeful change in the commercial and residential cleaning industry, which is estimated to employ 3 million frontline workers in the U.S. To showcase the latest industry innovations, the ISSA Show Innovative Leaders Award Program and Innovation Showcase featured 33 new and groundbreaking technologies and products, including operational software, cleaning agents, compostables, and air cleaners. Award categories included automation and equipment, business technology and digital services, facility solutions care, hygiene solutions, and environmental and sustainability innovation. Winners were determined by a panel of judges that included professionals and thought leaders from across the cleaning and facility solutions industry.  

Announced on the show floor, the ISSA Show Innovative Leaders Industry Choice Award was presented to Otuvy for its Otuvy operational software for commercial cleaning. Onsite attendees voted for the winner, considering factors like impact, practicality, sustainability, originality, and competitive advantage.  

Additionally, the annual IEHA Housekeeping Olympics, hosted at Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay, drew a spirited crowd cheering on teams competing in challenges showcasing their skills and teamwork. Among the contenders were eight teams from MGM Resorts properties, including Excalibur, Luxor, Mandalay Bay, Bellagio, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, ARIA, Park MGM, and MGM Grand. Ultimately, Resorts World Las Vegas housekeepers emerged as the overall champions, claiming victory and earning accolades for their performance.  

ISSA Show North America returns to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center next year, Nov. 10-13. To stay up to date with announcements and show news, visit www.issashow.com.