LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles County reported its first human case of bird flu Monday, days after California declared a state emergency over the virus’s spread.
The adult patient, who contracted H5 bird flu after workplace exposure to infected livestock, experienced mild symptoms and is recovering at home after antiviral treatment, county health officials said.
“People rarely get bird flu, but those who interact with infected livestock or wildlife have a greater risk of infection,” said County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis.
The case follows Governor Gavin Newsom’s December 18 emergency declaration prompted by infections detected in dairy cows across Southern California and the Central Valley. California accounts for more than half of the nation’s 65 confirmed human cases, with at least 36 infections reported statewide.
Health officials emphasize the public risk remains low but advise avoiding contact with sick or dead animals, consuming raw animal products, and protecting pets from wild animal exposure. Symptoms can include fever, cough, eye problems, and body aches.
Davis recommended getting seasonal flu vaccines to prevent potential concurrent infections with both viruses.
