A child in Alameda County, California, has tested positive for bird flu, despite having no direct contact with infected animals, according to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). The child, who displayed mild upper respiratory symptoms, has been treated and is recovering at home, state officials announced. Although the source of the exposure remains unclear, health officials are investigating whether the child may have come into contact with wild birds.
The initial test showed a low-level detection of the virus, suggesting the child was not infectious to others. Subsequent tests four days later were negative for bird flu but positive for other respiratory viruses, likely the cause of the child’s symptoms. The test specimens have been sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for confirmation.
State officials emphasized that the risk to public health is minimal. “We understand people may be concerned, but based on the information we have, we do not believe the child was infectious,” said CDPH Director Dr Tomas Aragon. He added that no human-to-human spread of bird flu has been documented globally for over 15 years.
Bird Flu Cases On The Rise In The USThe United States has reported 53 human bird flu cases this year, with most involving exposure to infected poultry or dairy cows. California leads the country with 27 confirmed cases, excluding the Alameda County child. Other states reporting human infections include Washington, Colorado, and.