CHICAGO, Illinois – California is currently investigating a possible case of bird flu in a dairy worker who had contact with infected cattle, raising concerns about the virus’s spread to humans. The state’s public health department made the announcement on Thursday, confirming that the worker had a “presumptive positive” result for bird flu. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will conduct further tests to confirm the result.
This potential case is part of a growing worry for scientists and federal officials, as bird flu has spread to cattle in 14 states this year, and 13 dairy and poultry farm workers have already been infected. The possibility of the virus spreading further among humans has heightened attention.
The affected worker, whose identity was not disclosed, only experienced conjunctivitis (pink eye) and is being treated with antiviral medication while staying home. According to the statement, the worker is employed at a dairy facility in California’s Central Valley, which has been hit by an outbreak among cattle.
Cows at dairy farms in California, the nation’s top milk-producing state, first began testing positive for bird flu in late August. While the risk to the general public remains low, the California Department of Public Health has warned that individuals who interact with infected animals face a higher risk of contracting the virus.
In a related case, Missouri confirmed last month that a person with underlying medical conditions tested positive for bird flu, despite no known animal exposure. Six healthcare workers who treated that patient developed respiratory symptoms, but none tested positive for the virus.
Scientists are keeping a close eye on these developments, watching for any signs that the virus may be adapting to spread more easily between humans.
