Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in California as the H5N1 bird flu virus spread to Southern California dairy herds and a patient in Louisiana suffered a severe case of illness. Since August, 645 dairy herds in California have been infected, with the number nationwide standing at 865.
In California, 34 people have been infected with the virus, mostly from dairy contact. In Louisiana, the patient’s case is concerning because of its severity and the virus’s potential for mutation into a more human-transmissible form.
Research has shown that the H5N1 virus is circulating in wild birds, and laboratory investigations are being conducted to determine if there have been any changes to the virus that would increase its ability to infect humans.
Experts are concerned that the H5N1 virus, if mutated, could have a high mortality rate like seen in Asia and the Middle East. However, so far, cases in the United States have been mild.
The CDC has expedited influenza and bird flu testing in clinical and public health laboratories to help identify cases. California has established the largest testing and monitoring system in the nation to respond to the outbreak.
Newsom’s state of emergency will allow for a more streamlined approach to tackling the virus, providing flexibility around staffing, contracting, and other rules to support California’s response.
The risk to the public remains low, but experts are taking precautions to prevent the spread of the virus.
