California Declares State of Emergency Over Spread of Bird Flu
California officials have declared a state of emergency over the spread of bird flu, which is tearing through dairy cows in that state and causing sporadic illnesses in people in the U.S.
Why did California declare a state of emergency?
Gov. Gavin Newsom said he declared the state of emergency to better position state staff and supplies to respond to the outbreak. California has been looking for bird flu in large milk tanks during processing, and they have found the virus in at least 650 herds, representing about three-quarters of all affected U.S. dairy herds.
What’s the risk to the general public?
Officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stressed again this week that the virus poses low risk to the general public. Importantly, there are no reports of person-to-person transmission and no signs that the virus has changed to spread more easily among humans.
Are cases becoming more serious?
This week, health officials confirmed the first known case of severe illness in the U.S. The patient in Louisiana, who is older than 65 and had underlying medical problems, is in critical condition. Few details have been released, but officials said the person developed severe respiratory symptoms after exposure to a backyard flock of sick birds.
How can people protect themselves?
People who have contact with dairy cows or commercial poultry or with backyard birds are at higher risk and should use precautions including respiratory and eye protection and gloves, CDC and other experts said.
How else is bird flu being spread?
In addition to direct contact with farm animals and wild birds, the H5N1 virus can be spread in raw milk. Pasteurized milk is safe to drink, because the heat treatment kills the virus, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Conclusion
The spread of bird flu in California and other states has raised concerns about the virus’s potential to cause severe illness and death in humans. While the risk to the general public is considered low, individuals who come into contact with infected animals or consume unpasteurized milk may be at higher risk.
FAQs
Q: What is bird flu?
A: Bird flu, also known as Type A H5N1, is a virus that affects birds and can also infect humans.
Q: How many cases of bird flu have been reported in the U.S.?
A: At least 866 herds in 16 states have been affected, with more than 60 people infected, mostly with mild illnesses.
Q: Is the bird flu virus mutating?
A: Yes, flu viruses are constantly mutating, and small genetic changes could change the outlook for the outbreak.
Q: How can I protect myself from bird flu?
A: People who have contact with dairy cows or commercial poultry or with backyard birds should use precautions including respiratory and eye protection and gloves, and avoid drinking raw milk.
Q: Can I get bird flu from eating pasteurized milk?
A: No, pasteurized milk is safe to drink because the heat treatment kills the virus.
