The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed on Friday the first human case of H5N1 bird flu in a child in the United States. The child, who resides in Alameda County, California, experienced mild symptoms and has since been recovering at home. This is the first reported case of the avian influenza H5 virus in a child in the country, prompting an investigation into the source of exposure.
The California Department of Health initially identified the suspected case earlier in the week, and CDC tests confirmed the presence of the virus. The agency reported that the child received flu antivirals after the diagnosis and that all other household members tested negative for H5N1.
"There is currently no evidence of person-to-person spread of H5N1 bird flu from this child to others," the CDC stated. "To date, there has been no person-to-person spread identified with any of the H5N1 bird flu cases reported in the United States."
The case is one of 55 human infections reported in the U.S. this year, with 29 of those occurring in California. Most cases have been linked to exposure to infected birds or contaminated environments, particularly among workers in agriculture or poultry processing facilities.
Although the general public's risk remains low, the CDC and state health departments have urged caution. "People should avoid unprotected exposure to sick or dead wild birds, poultry, and livestock," the CDC advised. This guidance extends to any environments that could be contaminated by infected animals.
Officials said the child's mild symptoms align with other reported human cases of H5N1 in the U.S. According to the CDC, follow-up tests showed no active infection, as the child later tested negative for the virus but positive for other common respiratory illnesses.
California health officials noted that H5N1 bird flu cases are a reminder of the virus's potential to mutate and gain the ability to spread more easily among humans. "We are closely monitoring both animal and human infections to detect any signs of such developments," the agency said in a statement.
H5N1, also known as avian influenza, is a virus primarily affecting birds but has occasionally infected humans through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated environments. Symptoms can range from mild respiratory issues to severe illness or death, though human cases remain rare.
The CDC emphasized the importance of contact tracing to determine if others may have been exposed. So far, no evidence suggests this case resulted in human-to-human transmission, consistent with all previous H5N1 cases in the country.
Globally, health officials continue to monitor the virus for mutations that could lead to increased transmissibility. While the current strain has caused significant losses in poultry and wildlife populations, human infections have remained isolated.
California's Department of Health is urging residents to report any sightings of sick or dead birds to local wildlife agencies. The CDC echoed this advice, adding that those handling birds or livestock should take appropriate precautions, including wearing protective gear and practicing good hygiene.
