An adult who was exposed at a worksite is now the first confirmed human case of H5 bird flu in Los Angeles County, the local Department of Public Health said on Monday.
The adult has only mild symptoms and is now recovering at home after being given antiviral medication.
Symptoms of H5 bird flu in humans include eye redness or discharge, fever, cough or difficulty breathing, sore throat, muscle or body aches, diarrhea, and vomiting, according to the county.
“Close contacts of the infected person and other workers exposed at the worksite are being monitored for symptoms and have been offered personal protective equipment, testing and antiviral prophylaxis,” it stated. “No additional cases have been identified at this time.”
Los Angeles County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis said that humans rarely contract the disease, and increased risk of infection is limited to people who interact with infected livestock or wildlife.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) have been notified and are helping with the investigation.
“People should avoid unprotected contact with sick or dead animals including cows, poultry, and wild birds; avoid consuming raw or undercooked animal products, such as raw milk; and protect pets and backyard poultry from exposure to wild animals,” Davis said.
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health are working to ensure that key risk groups, including farm workers; workers at dairy, egg, and meat processing facilities; and backyard flock owners are informed and have access to the resources like gloves, face masks, eye protection, and flu vaccines to help them protect against and identify bird flu infections.
“Anyone who was exposed to sick animals and is experiencing symptoms of H5 bird flu should immediately contact their health care provider and local health department,” the county health department said.
