California confirms 2 dairy workers infected with bird flu

California health officials have confirmed two human cases of H5 bird flu, marking the 15th and 16th human cases detected this year.

These cases, identified in the Central Valley, involve individuals who had direct contact with infected dairy cattle. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention verified the diagnoses, which add to a broader outbreak affecting dairy herds across the U.S.

The two affected individuals, though unrelated and employed at different farms, exhibited mild symptoms, including conjunctivitis. Neither experienced respiratory issues or required hospitalization.

The California Department of Health suggests the infections were transmitted directly from animals rather than between people, limiting concerns of widespread human-to-human transmission.

Despite these cases, health officials emphasize that the general public remains at low risk. Workers in agriculture, particularly those handling animals or animal products, are at higher risk and are urged to follow strict safety protocols.

The California Department of Public Health has been distributing personal protective equipment, such as N95 respirators, goggles, and gloves, to workers in affected areas to minimize the risk of infection.

California’s first detection of bird flu in animals occurred in 2022, and the state has since ramped up monitoring and preventative measures. These efforts include close collaboration with the California Department of Food and Agriculture to safeguard both human and animal health. Surveillance tools, including wastewater analysis, have been employed to detect and monitor the virus.

Health authorities stress that pasteurized milk and dairy products remain safe for consumption, as pasteurization effectively inactivates the virus. Furthermore, sick cows are excluded from milk production, ensuring the public milk supply is free from contamination.

So far, CDPH’ says that they’ve distributed over 340,000 respirators and millions of gloves, goggles, and other protective gear to workers across the state. Additionally, the department has worked with local health authorities to provide health checks and vaccines to at-risk populations, including 5,000 extra doses of the seasonal flu vaccine, which can help reduce the severity of illness in individuals exposed to both bird flu and seasonal flu.

For Californians, especially those in the agriculture sector, CDPH advises vigilance. Individuals exposed to infected animals should monitor for symptoms such as eye redness, cough, sore throat, and fever for ten days after contact. Immediate isolation and testing are recommended for those feeling ill. While the seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against bird flu, it reduces the risk of co-infection with both viruses, which could lead to more severe health outcomes.

With over 250 dairy herds affected nationwide, California’s continued collaboration with federal and local partners remains critical to controlling the spread of avian influenza.