By Dr. Julia Logan, CalPERS Chief Medical Officer, Health Policy & Benefits Branch
With confirmed cases of bird flu in California, I wanted to share some information about this illness.
What Is Bird Flu?
Bird flu is known as the avian influenza A (H5N1) or highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus. It is a viral infection that primarily affects birds. Bird flu has sparked growing concerns due to its potential for human transmission, especially in regions with high concentrations of poultry.
What’s the Latest Information?
Across the United States, health officials are being increasingly vigilant about the spread of H5N1 bird flu among human populations. Bird flu has been spreading globally, and for the first time, it is spreading to and among mammals such as cows, cats, sea lions, and bears. As a result of cases identified in dairy cows in Southern California, on December 18, 2024, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a State of Emergency aimed at streamlining and expediting the state’s response to bird flu.
The latest reports indicate there have been 38 confirmed human cases of bird flu in California, although public health officials emphasize the risk to the general public remains low and there has been no reported person-to-person spread of the virus at this time. In January, the state veterinarian implemented a ban on all California poultry and dairy cattle exhibitions at fairs and shows immediately until further notice to help stop the spread of the disease.
For more information, you can visit U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Current Situation Summary webpage and/or the American Medical Association Update podcast.
What Are the Symptoms?
Human infections with bird flu viruses are rare, but they can happen when the virus gets into a person’s eyes, nose, mouth, or when inhaled. Symptoms of bird flu in humans can range from mild to severe (including death) and typically resemble those of seasonal flu or other respiratory illnesses.
Common symptoms include:
- Eye redness or discharge
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Trouble breathing
- Fever (100 °F or higher)
- Pneumonia
- Seizures
Populations With Increased Risk
People who work with or around animals infected with bird flu or infected raw milk are at a higher risk. Those who are farmworkers, wildlife workers, veterinary clinic staff, and persons with sick backyard flocks may get exposed to infected animals. For those at increased risk, it is important to note that the viral infection in humans is treatable using existing and widely available antiviral medications.
Protective Measures
To help protect yourself from bird flu, it’s important that you practice safe hygiene methods such as washing your hands and avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Additionally, CDC recommends avoiding any of the following:
- Exposure to sick or dead animals (wild or domestic)
- Exposure to animal feces and bedding
- Touching or consuming raw milk
It’s also recommended that you get your seasonal flu vaccine, as this will lower the risk of being infected with both the seasonal flu and bird flu at the same time. Lastly, actively monitor public health announcements and outbreaks, especially if traveling to areas with confirmed cases of bird flu.
If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned and have had exposure to sick or dead poultry or livestock, seek medical attention immediately and talk to your provider about getting tested. By taking the right precautions, you can help protect yourself and others from the threat of bird flu.