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The latest case involves a child from San Francisco who experienced fever and conjunctivitis (pink eye). The child was not hospitalized and has since made a full recovery.
A significant number of H5N1 infections in California have been linked to exposure to infected dairy cows and poultry. However, state health officials have reported two cases, both involving children, where the source of exposure remains undetermined.
Despite the rise in cases, the CDC reiterates that the risk to the general public remains low. Certain populations, however, are at a higher risk of infection. These include farmworkers who have contact with sick animals or their byproducts, owners of backyard poultry flocks, animal care workers, and public health responders. The CDC also highlighted potential factors that could elevate the threat level, such as increased disease severity and genetic mutations in the virus.
In response to the ongoing situation, the CDC is urging healthcare workers to expedite testing for avian influenza A(H5N1) in hospitalized patients presenting with flu-like symptoms. A health advisory issued on January 16 recommends that healthcare providers conduct testing for avian influenza A(H5N1) within 24 hours of hospital admission for any patient suspected of having either seasonal or bird flu. The advisory also suggests initiating antiviral treatment, such as oseltamivir, immediately, even before test results are available.
For more information, visit the CDC’s website: H5 Bird Flu: Current Situation and the CDC Health Advisory.
