fitness
California and Oregon report cases of H5N1 Bird Flu
Introduction
The H5N1 bird flu, a highly pathogenic avian influenza, has recently infected six more humans in the United States: California and one in Oregon. That has brought the total number of human cases since March 2024 to 52. All cases have been confirmed as mild and no human to human transmission has been detected, health officials say.
California Cases
The five cases were reported in California among dairy workers who had been exposed to infected livestock. Reporting deadlines and a holiday were behind the recent surge in cases, said the state epidemiologist Erica Pan1. However, Pan insisted that these cases are still sporadic and there is no evidence of human to human transmission.
Oregon Case
The only Oregon case was a poultry plant worker who became infected from a previously reported commercial poultry operation in Clackamas County. The patient was treated with oseltamivir, an antiviral medication1, and has recovered fully, the Oregon Health Authority confirmed. People living in the same home as the patient were also prescribed the antiviral medication by the health agency.
National Overview
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 52 human cases of H5N1 bird flu, since March 2024. Of these 30 cases were linked to dairy cattle, 21 to poultry and 1 in Missouri remains unconfirmed1. The CDC is continuing to monitor the situation and has not found any evidence of person to person transmission.
Wastewater Monitoring
Stanford University and Emory University researchers lead an infectious disease network that monitors wastewater and has found the H5N1 virus in samples from 28 sites across California. 1. It is the presence of the virus in wastewater may mean it is coming from unpasteurized milk, wild bird droppings or discarded contaminated animal products.
Public Health Response
And health officials are urging people to avoid contact with sick or dead birds and animals, or their droppings or litter, to guard against infection. In addition, people who have had contact with sick animals have also been advised to receive antiviral treatment by the CDC1.
International Case
The U.S. cases were also joined by a Canadian teenager infected with the H5N1 virus, who’s in critical condition in a British Columbia hospital. Health authorities are watching this case closely.
Conclusion
The recent surge in occurrences of H5N1 bird flu in California and Oregon is just a harbinger of the dangers that remain from zoonotic diseases and the need to keep up with and respond to outbreaks. The disease has been mild and, to date, does not appear to be transmitted from person to person, but as with any case, health officials continue to urge vigilance and the need for preventive measures to protect public health.
FAQs
What is the H5N1 bird flu?
H5N1 bird flu, or avian influenza, is a high pathogenic virus that affects mainly birds but occasionally other animals and humans. Causing severe respiratory illness in birds and often fatal, it is well known.
What would account for the California and Oregon H5N1 infections just recently?
In California and Oregon, recent infections were in dairy workers and a poultry worker. Direct transmission through contact with infected livestock and poultry was the route of infection for these others.
Are the reported H5N1 cases severe?
All reported cases in California and Oregon to date have been described as mild. Those affected have been treated with antiviral therapy and are recovering well.
Can there be evidence of human to human transmission of H5N1?
As of now, human transmission of H5N1 is not known. Direct contact with infected animals is the link reported with the cases.
How is H5N1 being contained from spreading?
Officials recommend avoiding contact with sick or dead birds and animals as well as droppings or litter from these birds and animals. Antiviral treatment is being offered to those in contact with infected animals as a precaution.
So how is the H5N1 virus being watched?
Tests and surveillance are underway in affected areas on the H5N1 virus. The virus presence in communities is also detected by wastewater monitoring through the WastewaterScan network.
How much of a risk is the H5N1 virus to the general public?
Health authorities say that the public is low risk. So far, infections have been limited to people who have had direct exposure to infected animals; there is no evidence that the infection can be passed from one person to another.
