California's Bird Flu Emergency: What You Need to Know

California Governor Gavin Newsom recently declared a state of emergency in response to growing concerns over bird flu outbreaks, especially in the southern part of the state. This emergency declaration was triggered after more dairy cows tested positive for the virus, highlighting the need for immediate action.

Since bird flu (H5N1) was first detected in U.S. dairy farms in 2022, it has spread to numerous cattle herds across 16 states, causing some infections in farm workers, though most cases have been mild. However, the first severe human case of the H5N1 strain in the U.S. was reported in Louisiana on the same day as the emergency declaration. The 65-year-old patient, with underlying health conditions, is in critical condition after exposure to sick and dead birds in a backyard flock.

Though human infections with bird flu remain rare, the situation has become increasingly serious. Since the H5N1 strain was first identified in the U.S. in March 2023, 61 people across seven states have been infected, with 34 of those cases in California. While most cases have had mild symptoms, the severity of recent infections has raised alarm.

Bird flu, or avian influenza, is a viral disease that primarily affects birds but can also spread to other animals, including dairy cows, cats, dogs, and even humans. Though human-to-human transmission has not been observed, the virus has killed millions of birds globally and remains a significant public health concern. The H5N1 strain, in particular, has a high fatality rate in humans, causing about 463 deaths among 860 cases worldwide since its emergence in 1996.

The virus has a history of spreading across continents, from its initial outbreak in China to recent cases in the U.S. and Canada. H5N1 is considered one of the most dangerous strains of bird flu, with a death rate of around 60 percent in humans, significantly higher than other strains like H7N9, which has a 20 percent fatality rate.

As the bird flu situation evolves, authorities are closely monitoring new outbreaks to prevent further spread and to protect public health.