A human case of H5 avian influenza has been confirmed in Los Angeles County, authorities announced Monday.
According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, this is the first human case detected in the county.
The adult, who police could not immediately identify, is believed to have contracted the disease from infected livestock at work.
“The patient’s symptoms are mild, he is being treated with antiviral drugs, and he is recuperating at home,” the police said in a statement. “The overall risk of H5 avian influenza to the general public remains low.”
Public Health said there is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission of bird flu.
“Although it is rare for people to contract avian influenza, people who come into contact with infected domestic or wild animals are at increased risk of infection,” said Los Angeles County Health Officer Muntu Davis. “People should avoid unprotected contact with sick or dead animals, such as cattle, poultry, and wild birds.Avoid consumption of raw or undercooked animal products, such as raw milk. Protect backyard poultry from exposure to wildlife.”
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On December 18, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency to streamline and speed up the state’s response to the avian influenza outbreak.
The declaration was made after avian influenza infections were detected in dairy cows on a Southern California farm. Fresno-based company Law Farm LLC was at the center of two recalls after the avian influenza virus was detected in raw milk samples.
Health officials said it is rare for people to become infected with avian influenza, but shared the understanding that people who handle infected animals, including cattle, poultry and wild animals, are at high risk of infection.
The public health agency said symptoms of H5 avian influenza in humans include red eyes or discharge, fever, cough or difficulty breathing, sore throat, muscle and body aches, diarrhea and vomiting.
If anyone has been in contact with a sick animal and is exhibiting symptoms of bird flu, health officials said they should immediately contact their health care provider and local health department.
For more information, visit publichealth.lacounty.gov.
