#18,542
California has gone more than 2 weeks without reporting any new human H5N1 infections, but today the San Francisco Health Department is reporting a `presumed positive' case in a child (who has already recovered).
No dates are provided, and the investigation is reportedly ongoing, but at this time they don't know how the child was exposed.
Today's press release warns on the consumption of raw milk, and other raw dairy products, and avoid contact with `sick or dead birds, especially wild birds and poultry.'
The statement also repeatedly stresses that `. . . the risk to the general public remains low as there is currently no evidence of person-to-person transmission.'
While the majority of known H5N1 infections have been among occupationally exposed farm workers, this would the second case in California without a known exposure.
The full statement follows:
Presumptive Bird Flu Case Identified In San Francisco Resident
Individual has recovered, and risk to the general public remains low. Human infections with bird flu viruses are rare, and there is no evidence of person-to-person transmission.
January 10, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, January 10, 2025
*** PRESS RELEASE ***
Contact: SFDPH Media Desk: DPH.Press@sfdph.org
SAN FRANCISCO – The San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) announced today that a presumptive case of H5N1 bird flu has been identified in a San Francisco resident. The individual is a child who experienced symptoms of fever and conjunctivitis but did not need to be hospitalized and has since fully recovered. The risk to the general public remains low as there is currently no evidence of person-to-person transmission.
SFDPH is encouraging people to avoid direct contact with sick or dead birds, especially wild birds and poultry. Wild birds can be infected with bird flu even if they do not look sick. If you have found a dead bird, please contact 311. In addition, as bird flu continues to spread among U.S. dairy cows, SFDPH strongly recommends that individuals not consume raw milk or raw milk products, including raw cheese.
“I want to assure everyone in our city that the risk to the general public is low, and there is no current evidence that the virus can be transmitted between people,” said Dr. Grant Colfax, Director of Health. “We will continue to investigate this presumptive case, and I am urging all San Franciscans to avoid direct contact with sick or dead birds, especially wild birds and poultry. Also, please avoid unpasteurized dairy products.”
The presumptive case tested positive for H5N1 at the SFDPH Public Health Laboratory, which performed this testing as part of enhanced surveillance efforts. Confirmatory testing will be performed at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The child initially tested for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV based on symptoms and tested positive for influenza A. As part of SFDPH enhanced surveillance, the specimen was subsequently tested for H5N1. An initial investigation by SFDPH has not revealed how the child may have contracted H5N1 bird flu. The Department is continuing to investigate, including assessing all close contacts. Again, the risk to the general public remains low as there is currently no evidence of person-to-person transmission.
People should avoid direct contact with sick or dead birds, especially wild birds and poultry. Wild birds can be infected with bird flu even if they do not look sick. If you have found a dead bird, please contact 311. In addition, as bird flu continues to spread among U.S. dairy cows, SFDPH strongly recommends that individuals not consume raw milk or raw milk products, including raw cheese. Pasteurized milk and dairy products are safe to consume. Pasteurization is the process of heating milk to specific temperatures to kill viruses such as bird flu, as well as harmful bacteria that can be found in raw milk.
Human infections with bird flu viruses are rare, and no person-to-person transmission has been detected to date in the United States. Symptoms of bird flu in humans include eye redness, coughing, fatigue, fever, and headaches. If you are experiencing these symptoms, please contact your health care provider.
At this time, bird flu cases in California have been mild without any hospitalizations. Additional case information can be found at the California Department of Public Health and CDC websites.
