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The number of infected dairy herds in California continues to rise, with the USDA announcing another 8 positive herds this morning. This brings California's total to 186 - all reported since late August - which is 48% of the nation's total (n=388).
California has also reported 16 human H5 infections linked to exposure to dairy cattle. Both numbers, however, appear to be undercounts, as testing remains limited, and in many cases voluntary.
Bird Flu in Humans
As of October 28, 2024, CDPH has confirmed sixteen (16) human cases of bird flu in California. All individuals had contact with animals at different farms and all have experienced mild symptoms, including eye redness or discharge (conjunctivitis). None of the individuals have been hospitalized. 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 contact with infected dairy cattle. CDPH recommends that personal protective equipment (PPE), such as eye protection (face shields or safety goggles), respirators (N95 masks), and gloves be worn by anyone working with animals or materials that are infected or potentially infected with the bird flu virus. Wearing PPE helps prevent infection. Please see CDPH’s Worker Protection from Bird Flu for full PPE guidance. For the latest updates from CDPH, visit Bird Flu (ca.gov).
The lack of reports from other states in recent weeks may, or may not, reflect what is actually happening on the ground since testing - except prior to interstate transport of cattle - remains voluntary.
