October 3, 2024 – The centers for Disease control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed two new human cases of H5 bird flu in California, both linked to occupational exposure to infected dairy cows. While an investigation is underway, the CDC emphasizes that these findings are not unexpected and do not alter the current low-risk assessment for the general public. Notably, there’s no known connection between these two California cases, suggesting independant animal-to-human transmission events. The CDC is actively collaborating with California and other state health officials to bolster efforts in curbing the spread of H5N1 from animals to humans, with California’s proactive monitoring serving as a key strategy to protect farm workers.
Further virus characterization, including sequencing and isolation, will be conducted by the CDC in the coming days. These mark the first human H5 cases in California, a state that first reported H5N1 outbreaks in dairy herds in August 2024. H5N1 bird flu was identified in U.S. cows for the first time this year, adding to its prevalence in wild birds and ongoing poultry outbreaks since 2022. Sporadic human infections, typically among those working with infected animals like dairy or poultry workers, have been rare. This brings the total U.S. human H5 cases in 2024 to 16, and 17 since 2022, with reported cases in texas (1), Michigan (2), Colorado (10), Missouri (1), and California (2). Six of the 2024 cases are linked to dairy cow exposure, nine to poultry, and the missouri case’s source remains under investigation, with serologic testing of contacts ongoing. The CDC strongly advises avoiding contact with wild birds and sick or deceased animals, and refraining from consuming unpasteurized milk or raw cheese. For those working with perhaps infected animals, the CDC recommends wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when in contact with animals, raw milk, or contaminated surfaces. Updated PPE guidance is available to prevent H5N1 infection.
The CDC urges individuals experiencing symptoms after close contact with infected animals to contact their local health department and a healthcare provider for testing. Symptoms of H5 infection can include eye redness (conjunctivitis) and mild flu-like upper respiratory symptoms.
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