Bird flu is on the rise in the U.S., with California experiencing a significant number of cases. The virus has spread to dairy cows, leading to infections among farmworkers. Although the virus has been somewhat contained, experts warn that its continued evolution could pose a greater risk to human health.
Bird flu has seen a resurgence in the U.S. this year, with California leading the pack. Since the Department of Agriculture detected the virus in dairy herds in March, more than 50 people have tested positive for it, with 34 reported cases in California alone. Last month, a California n became the first child in the U.S. confirmed to have the virus.
In the nearly three decades since H5N1 was first isolated in commercial geese in Guangdong, China, likely spread from migratory wild birds, it has infected more than 890 people — and killed more than 460 — in 24 countries. Since 2022, millions of egg-laying chickens have been exposed to, infected with and culled or killed by H5N1 in the U.S. What stands out this year is how widespread the infection has been among dairy cows, which are spreading it to farmworkers — the group that accounts for most of the human cases so far. The virus has been kept somewhat at bay. Although it has mutated to infect humans and about 50 other types of mammals, like an ill-fitting key it still faces challenges to entering human bodies. People have contracted it primarily from direct contact with infected animals, for example by getting milk on their hands at a farm and then touching their eyes, so the case numbers remain modest and disease symptoms in the U.S. generally mild. But as we have seen with other influenza strains, the virus continues to evolve. There have been reports of humans being infected without a clear animal contact. A research paper this month reported that H5N1 is now just one mutation away from attaching more easily to human cells, possibly enabling sustained human-to-human transmission — which could mean more people getting infected and becoming seriously ill, disrupting school, work and our everyday lives. There is no guarantee that a major human outbreak or pandemic will happen soo
Bird Flu H5N1 California Pandemic Human Infection
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Bird flu virus detected in raw milk from dairy farm based in Fresno, Calif.The child reportedly had mild upper respiratory systems and is recovering at home in Alameda County. (Scripps News)
Read more »
Bird flu virus hits Wildlife World Zoo, park implementing safety measuresThe Maricopa County Department of Public Health announced it is working with state and federal organizations in responding to a detection of avian influenza in a small number of animals at the zoo.
Read more »
Raw milk from a California dairy is recalled after routine testing detected the bird flu virusThe dairy, Raw Farm, issued a voluntary recall for one batch of cream top, whole raw milk with a best buy date of Nov. 27.
Read more »
Bird flu virus detected in raw milk sold in California; recall issuedRaw Farm has recalled its cream top raw milk after bird flu virus was found in a retail sample of the raw milk product over the weekend.
Read more »
Bird flu virus found in retail sample of raw milk sold in Santa Clara CountyBird flu virus was detected in a retail sample of raw milk from the Raw Farm dairy of Fresno County that was then sold in Santa Clara County state health officials said Sunday.
Read more »
Bird flu causes deaths of cats and zoo animals as virus spreads in USJust days after the USDA issued a new order that all raw milk must be tested for bird flu, reports have emerged of animals dying of the virus, including cats and several zoo animals.
Read more »