SAN FRANCISCO – Public health officials say a San Francisco child has tested suspected positive for H5N1 bird flu.
The San Francisco Department of Public Health said the kid, who experienced fever and symptoms of conjunctivitis, has now fully recovered and is at low risk to the general public.
“I would like to reassure everyone in our city that the risk to the general public is low and there is currently no evidence that the virus can be transmitted between people,” said Dr. Grant Colfax, Director of Health.
The department's public health laboratory conducted the initial testing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will conduct confirmatory testing.
Prior to the kid's positive test, the California Department of Public Health had reported 37 human cases of avian influenza as of December 23.
In all but one in all these cases, health authorities determined exposure to cattle. None of the cases required hospitalization.
Despite the limited impact on humans, the state declared a state of emergency last month to reply to outbreaks on its dairy farms.
Prior to the avian flu diagnosis, the kid initially tested positive for COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus.
Possible symptoms of bird flu included eye redness, cough, fatigue, fever and headache.
An initial investigation has not clarified how the kid became infected with the virus and remains to be ongoing.
Health officials have warned residents to avoid contact with sick or dead birds and to avoid consuming raw milk or unpasteurized dairy products.
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