Los Angeles County public health officials are investigating the first apparent case of H5 bird flu in humans in the county.
Officials announced on Monday that the victim is an adult who was exposed to the virus by livestock at a worksite. They’re reportedly being treated with anti-viral medication and are recovering at home, according to the county Department of Public Health.
The DPH says the risk to the general public remains low as there is no current evidence of person-to-person spreading of the virus. Other workers at the site of the contraction are currently being monitored for symptoms as well as people who were in close contact with the infected person.
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“This case reminds us to take basic precautions to prevent being exposed,” Dr. Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County health officer, said in a statement. (
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DPH said no additional cases of the virus have been identified at this time. The country said in a statement that they are working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and the state Department of Health on the investigation of the incident.
“People rarely get bird flu, but those who interact with infected livestock or wildlife have a greater risk of infection,” Dr. Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County health officer, said in a statement.
“This case reminds us to take basic precautions to prevent being exposed,” he said. “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.”
The department said the people are greatest risk of contracting the virus are people working with i (
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Davis also emphasized in his statement the importance of people getting their seasonal flu vaccine, to lower the risk of not only prevent severe seasonal flu illness but lower the risk of contracting H5 bird flu if exposed to it.
Symptoms of H5 bird flu in humans include eye redness, fever, cough or difficulty breathing, sore throat, muscle or body aches, diarrhea and vomiting, according to DPH. The department said the people are greatest risk of contracting the virus are people working with infected animals, including cows, poultry, or wildlife.
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