CENTRAL VALLEY – The California Department of Public Health has announced that the fifth and sixth cases of human transmission of bird flu have been confirmed in California.
On Oct. 10, the Tulare County Public Health, in coordination with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), confirmed another case of H5N1 bird flu. Shortly after that, a fourth case was confirmed, and then on Oct. 11, state health officials confirmed another two cases, bringing the confirmed number of cases up to six, as of report.
All six individuals worked at dairies in the Central Valley, but the CDPH will not identify specific dairies or regions of the Valley in which the cases originate. None of the cases have been fatal. Most cases involve mild symptoms and are treated with antiviral medications.
“While the risk to the general public remains low, additional human cases of bird flu are expected to be identified and confirmed in California among individuals who have regular contact with infected dairy cattle,” an statement issued on Oct. 10 from the CDPH reads. “CDPH continues to work closely with local health jurisdictions to identify, track, test, confirm and treat possible and confirmed human cases of bird flu.”
The CDPH reminds the public that the risk of an epidemic is low and that individuals who are at risk can reduce their chances of contraction of the disease through the use of personal protective equipment that includes gloves and masking or a face shield. The general public is not at risk of contracting the disease from consuming dairy products as nearly all milk in the state is pasteurized. Pasteurization has been shown to kill the virus.
The department is using lessons learned in other states to help identify and halt transmissions from cattle to humans. Bird flu first was identified in cattle in California in August 2024, and has been identified in at least 55 dairies according to the CDPH. Bird flu is spread by migratory birds who are infected. The method of transmission to cattle has yet to be identified but is believed to be related to cattle drinking water contaminated by birds.
CDPH is distributing PPE to dairies affected by bird flu. They have distributed 340,000 respirators, 1.3 million gloves, 160,000 goggles and face shields, and 168,000 bouffant caps to help stop the spread. As part of the effort, the department has received an additional 5,000 doses of seasonal flu vaccine to administer to dairy workers throughout the state. The flu vaccine will not protect against bird flu but reduces the risk of contracting both viruses simultaneously. They are also monitoring wastewater treatment facilities for signs of bird flu.
