First Bird Flu Case in Stanislaus: What Farmers Need to Know

In Stanislaus County, health officials confirmed the first human case of bird flu. A resident who had contact with infected dairy cattle showed mild symptoms and received antiviral treatment. The virus, known as H5N1, has been spreading among birds and causing outbreaks in dairy cows and poultry. California has seen at least 36 human cases during the 2024 outbreak, mostly from cattle exposure. Notably, a child got infected by drinking raw milk. Unlike COVID-19, bird flu hasn't spread person-to-person yet. Health officials assure the public risk is low but warn farmworkers to use protective gear. Symptoms include eye redness, headaches, cough, fever, and body aches. California leads in livestock cases, prompting Gov. Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency, enhancing response flexibility.