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The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed a new human case of H5N1 avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, in California. This latest case, involving a child from San Francisco, brings the total number of infections nationwide to 67. The child developed fever and conjunctivitis but was not hospitalized and has since made a full recovery.

California remains the epicentre of the outbreak, accounting for 38 of the reported cases, according to CDC data. Most infections in the state have been linked to exposure to sick dairy cows and poultry. However, health officials have documented two cases with no clear source of exposure, both involving children.

Risk to General Public Low but Certain Groups at Higher Risk

While the CDC maintains that the risk to the general public remains low, it has identified specific groups as being more vulnerable to infection. These include:

- Farm workers handling sick animals or byproducts.

- Owners of backyard bird flocks.

- Veterinarians and animal care workers.

- Public health responders involved in outbreak management.

Dr Nirav Shah, the CDC’s principal deputy director, highlighted the importance of prompt testing and treatment to prevent complications. “The more time that passes, the harder it becomes to trace exposure sources and effectively manage the spread,” he explained.

Growing Concerns Over Delayed DiagnosisThe CDC has called on healthcare providers to ramp up testing for bird flu, especially for hospitalized patients presenting flu-like symptoms. A recent advisory recommends that a second test for avian influenza be conducted within 24 hours of hospital admission for suspected cases. Additionally, the agency advises starting antiviral treatments like Tamiflu immediately, even before test results are available.

Delayed diagnoses can hinder public health investigations, delay treatment for exposed individuals, and compromise hospital infection control measures. Hospitals often need to send samples to public health labs for testing, which can take time. Patients may have been discharged by the time results are received, making it harder to administer effective antiviral treatments to close contacts.

Broader Impact and Rising Cases

This year, the H5N1 outbreak has been linked to several severe cases, including the first U.S. death from bird flu in a Louisiana man who had direct contact with infected backyard poultry. In Canada, a young girl spent two months hospitalized after contracting the virus.

The outbreak has also extended to domestic cats, with confirmed cases linked to exposure to raw pet food or raw milk. These incidents underscore the need for greater vigilance in both animal and human health sectors.

Preventive Measures to Curb Spread

The CDC has issued guidelines to help curb the spread of H5N1 avian flu:

1. Avoid direct contact with wild birds, poultry, or other animals infected with or suspected of carrying the virus.

2. Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when dealing with potentially infected animals or their environments.

3. Refrain from touching contaminated surfaces or materials, such as bedding or litter from infected animals.

4. Avoid consuming raw milk or products made from raw milk, particularly from animals suspected of avian flu infection.

5. Ensure rapid testing for hospitalized patients showing flu-like symptoms. Specimens for H5N1 testing should be sent to public health labs promptly.

The CDC continues to monitor the situation closely while emphasizing the need for heightened awareness, especially among at-risk groups. Dr. Shah stressed the urgency of distinguishing between seasonal flu and avian influenza as both illnesses present similar symptoms. “Accelerating testing and initiating early treatment can make a significant difference in managing the outbreak and protecting public health,” he said.

Public health experts also note that genetic changes in the H5N1 virus or an increase in disease severity could raise the overall threat level. However, with the right preventive measures and timely interventions, the spread of bird flu can be effectively controlled.

For now, while the general public remains at low risk, farm workers, veterinarians, and others in close contact with potentially infected animals should remain vigilant and follow CDC guidelines to safeguard their health.

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