First rare human case of bird flu reported in Los Angeles County

The first human case of H5N1, commonly known as bird flu or bird flu, has been confirmed in Los Angeles County in California, involving an adult who was exposed to livestock.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said the person who contracted bird flu had mild symptoms, was treated with antivirals and is now recovering at home.

Although this is the first human case in the region, the public health department said the risk of H5 bird flu in the community remains low, adding that there is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission of the virus.

Nevertheless, those who are very close to the infected person, as well as other workers in the workplace, are considered symptomatic and given tests, antiviral prophylaxis and protective equipment.

Governor NEWSOM DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY IN CALIFORNIA DUE TO BIRD HABITAT

The case is part of an ongoing investigation involving the state’s public health department, the California Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“People rarely get bird flu, but those who come into contact with infected livestock or wild animals are at high risk of infection. This case reminds us to take precautions to avoid exposure,” said LA County Health Officer Muntu Davis. “People should avoid unprotected contact with sick or dead animals including cattle, chickens, and wild birds; avoid eating raw or undercooked animal products, such as raw milk; and protect pets and backyard chickens from exposure to wild animals.”

Davis also encouraged the public to get the seasonal flu vaccine, which he said can help prevent severe seasonal flu illness and reduce the risk of getting seasonal flu and bird flu at the same time if exposed.

BIRD FLU CAUSES CATS AND ZOO ANIMALS DEATHS AS IT SPREADS THROUGHOUT US

Electron micrograph of Avian influenza A H5N1 viruses (seen in gold) grown in MDCK cells (seen in green). (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)

Symptoms of bird flu in humans include red or watery eyes, fever, cough or difficulty breathing, sore throat, muscle pain, diarrhea and vomiting.

This news comes days after Gov. Gavin Newsom of California has declared a state of emergency due to bird flu.

Newsom issued a state of emergency after the virus broke out among dairy cows on farms in Southern California.

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR HEALTH PAPER

At least two farm workers have been infected with H5N1 bird flu this year. (Stock)

After first being reported in Texas and Kansas in March, bird flu has been confirmed in cattle in all 16 US states, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported.

“This announcement is a deliberate action to ensure that federal agencies have the resources and conditions they need to respond quickly to this outbreak,” Newsom said in a statement.

And, last week, the first case of severe bird flu was confirmed in a human patient in Louisiana, according to the CDC.

CLICK HERE FOR THE NEWS PROGRAM

The health agency maintains that “the risk to public health is currently low,” but said it is “monitoring the situation carefully.”

Melissa Rudy of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.