California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency this week, highlighting the growing threat of bird flu in the state. This decisive action aims to combat the escalating bird flu outbreak that has affected dairy farms, wildlife, and even humans. Here’s everything you need to know about bird flu, its symptoms, and the severity of the current situation.
Why Has California Declared a Bird Flu Emergency?
Governor Gavin Newsom’s emergency declaration follows the discovery of bird flu in several dairy cows in southern California. This marks a concerning spread of the virus from birds to other animals. Declaring a state of emergency allows the state to unlock additional resources and funding to manage and mitigate the outbreak.
Bird flu, particularly the H5N1 strain, has been spreading rapidly across the United States. Since its detection in dairy farms in 2022, the virus has affected herds in 16 states and caused mild infections in some dairy farm workers. However, the situation took a more serious turn this week when Louisiana reported the country’s first severe human case of H5N1. A 65-year-old patient, with underlying health conditions, is now in critical condition.
What Is Bird Flu?
Bird flu, or avian influenza, is a virus that primarily spreads among birds but can infect other animals, including humans. Different strains of bird flu, such as H5N1 and H7N9, have varying levels of severity. The H5N1 strain, which has spread in California, is particularly dangerous due to its high mortality rate in humans.
First detected in 1996 among domestic waterfowl in China, bird flu has since caused millions of bird deaths worldwide. Human infections remain rare but are increasing, particularly in North America.
How Is the H5N1 Strain Different?
H5N1 is considered the most pathogenic strain of bird flu. It has a human mortality rate of about 60%, far higher than other strains like H7N9, which has a 20% death rate. H5N1 can cause severe inflammation and complications such as pneumonia and organ failure, making it more lethal than other bird flu variants.
Bird Flu in California: Current Status
The ongoing bird flu outbreak in California has raised alarm due to its potential to spread from birds to other animals and humans. Since March, 61 human cases of H5N1 have been reported in seven U.S. states, with 34 of those in California. While most cases have resulted in mild symptoms, the rising number of infections signals the virus’s growing threat.
What Are the Symptoms of Bird Flu in Humans?
Symptoms of bird flu, including the H5N1 strain, can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:
- Redness in the eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Fever
- Cough and sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle aches and fatigue
- Shortness of breath
If untreated, severe cases may lead to pneumonia, multi-organ failure, or death.
How Does Bird Flu Spread?
Bird flu spreads to humans through contact with infected birds or their contaminated environments. The virus can enter the human body via the eyes, nose, or mouth when inhaling droplets or dust containing the virus. The virus spreads when infected birds shed the virus in their saliva, mucus, or feces.
So far, there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission of bird flu. However, handling sick or dead birds without proper precautions increases the risk of infection.
Can You Get Bird Flu from Eating Chicken?
Properly cooked chicken and poultry are safe to consume, as cooking kills the virus. However, consuming raw or undercooked poultry or eggs can increase the risk of infection. Avoid raw milk or poultry products, especially in areas with active bird flu outbreaks.
Preventing Bird Flu: What You Can Do
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends these preventive measures:
- Avoid contact with sick or dead birds.
- Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) if handling birds is necessary.
- Stay away from live bird markets, especially in areas with known outbreaks.
- Avoid consuming raw or unpasteurized animal products.
- Follow strict hygiene practices, such as washing hands thoroughly after handling animals.
Is There a Vaccine for Bird Flu?
Currently, there is no approved vaccine for bird flu in humans. Vaccines for birds are available and widely used to control outbreaks in poultry. Efforts to develop a human vaccine are underway. In July 2024, the U.S. government allocated $176 million to Moderna for the development of a bird flu vaccine.
Bird Flu: A Global Concern
Globally, bird flu has infected over 860 people across 23 countries, with a 52% death rate. Although human cases remain rare, the virus’s high mortality rate and increasing spread raise serious concerns. The ongoing outbreak in California underscores the urgent need for monitoring and containment measures.
Conclusion
California’s declaration of a state of emergency over bird flu reflects the seriousness of this evolving public health threat. The H5N1 strain’s potential to cause severe illness in humans, coupled with its rapid spread among animals, demands immediate attention. By understanding the symptoms, risks, and preventive measures, we can better protect ourselves and mitigate the impact of this virus.
Why has California declared a state of emergency over bird flu? | Health News | Al Jazeera
