California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency following a sharp increase in bird flu cases, marking a critical step in managing this growing public health concern. On the same day, the first severe human case of the H5N1 bird flu strain in the United States was reported in Louisiana, heightening the urgency of the situation.
The emergency declaration came after several dairy cows in southern California tested positive for the virus. This measure allows the allocation of funds to streamline efforts to contain the outbreak. Since bird flu was first detected in U.S. dairy farms in 2022, it has spread to herds in 16 states, causing infections among dairy farm workers, albeit mostly mild.
However, the case in Louisiana involved a 65-year-old with underlying health conditions who is currently hospitalized in critical condition. According to the CDC, the patient had been exposed to infected birds in backyard flocks.
Bird flu, or avian influenza, primarily spreads among birds but can also affect humans and other animals, including dairy cows, seals, and domestic pets. While human-to-human transmission has not been reported, contact with infected birds or their environments remains a primary risk factor.
The H5N1 strain is particularly concerning due to its high pathogenicity. It causes severe inflammation, impacts the immune system, and can lead to complications like pneumonia and multi-organ failure. The virus has a reported human death rate of approximately 60%, making it one of the deadliest strains of bird flu.
Symptoms of Bird Flu
Common symptoms of bird flu in humans include:
- Eye redness or conjunctivitis
- Fever
- Cough and sore throat
- Muscle aches and fatigue
- Shortness of breath
How Bird Flu Spreads to Humans
Bird flu spreads to humans when the virus enters through the eyes, nose, or mouth, often via airborne droplets or dust containing the virus. This occurs when infected birds shed the virus through their saliva, mucous, or feces.
While there’s no evidence of human-to-human transmission, consuming raw or undercooked poultry or eggs from infected birds is a potential risk factor. The CDC advises proper cooking to kill the virus in poultry products.
Preventing Bird Flu
The best way to prevent bird flu is to avoid contact with infected or dead birds. Key prevention tips include:
- Staying away from wild birds and poultry suspected of infection.
- Wearing protective gear if exposure is unavoidable.
- Avoiding raw or unpasteurized milk, eggs, or poultry products.
International travel to areas with active bird flu outbreaks also poses a risk. Markets selling live birds in such regions should be avoided.
Vaccine Development
Currently, there is no authorized vaccine for bird flu in humans. However, vaccines for poultry exist to curb the spread among birds. Efforts to develop a human vaccine are ongoing, with Moderna receiving $176 million from the U.S. government to create a flu vaccine effective against bird flu.