2 days Ago By Eileen Vargas
California health authorities are monitoring a child in Alameda County who has shown a possible bird flu infection. The child, with minor upper respiratory symptoms, is on the mend at home. The initial test suggested a low-level virus detection, which implies a low risk of infecting others, and subsequent tests were negative, according to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) .
The CDPH, in collaboration with the CDC, is delving into how the child might have contracted the virus without direct contact with infected animals. Repeat testing showed that the virus detectable in the child's system was gone four days later. Meanwhile, common respiratory viruses could be responsible for the child's symptoms.
Confirmed cases of human bird flu are rare, and this incident has not sparked any concerns of a wider outbreak, though the CDPH has said all close contacts of the child have tested negative for the virus. In a statement, as per the California Department of Public Health , CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Tomás Aragón emphasized that "no human-to-human spread of bird flu has been documented in any country for more than 15 years.
" Following the discovery, precautionary measures have been extended to individuals in close contact with the child, including those at the daycare the child attended. Public health officials assure parents and caregivers that there's little reason to worry, echoing Dr. Aragón's reassurance that the minimal virus detected does not suggest an infectious case.
Contacts are being offered preventive care and testing as needed. Nevertheless, the situation is not taken lightly as the public health system remains vigilant to the possibilities of bird flu transmission, an issue being tracked since California reported its first case in poultry in 2022. The risk of bird flu is notably higher for those directly handling infected animals, including dairy cows and poultry, as demonstrated by the 27 mild cases reported in California.
While these patients reported only minor symptoms, mostly related to eye infections, the Department encourages workers to employ safety measures such as using protective gear, getting tested in case of exposure or symptoms, and receiving a flu shot..
