HealthBird Flu outbreak in California: Health alert and precautions

Bird Flu outbreak in California: Health alert and precautions

Overview: California is currently experiencing an outbreak of avian flu or bird flu (H5N1), which has led to a state of emergency declaration by Gov. Gavin Newsom. The virus is typically spread between birds, but can cause infection in humans. Symptoms include red eyes, fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches and fatigue. People who must have direct or close contact with sick or dead wild birds, poultry or other animals, including dairy cows, are at greater risk of infection. Norovirus, another highly contagious virus, is also common in California and can cause vomiting, diarrhea and foodborne illness. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is also a common infection of the lungs and reason for hospitalization in children younger than one year of age in the U.S.Breanna Reeves
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As the winter season continues, several respiratory viruses are circulating across the state, with additional viruses making an appearance.Over the past few years, California residents have become familiar with ever changing COVID-19 strains, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza (flu), and their respective symptoms. However, other viruses like Avian Influenza and Norovirus have begun to emerge as outbreaks.“There’s been an awful lot of traveling and parties and family reunions that have occurred over the wonderful holiday season that we have experienced that have worked as accelerators to enhance spread of these viruses, and particularly in regards to influenza,” said Dr. William Schaffner during an Ethnic Media Services briefing on Jan. 10. Dr. Schaffner is a professor of Preventive Medicine in the Department of Health Policy and professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, TN. Experts continue to encourage Californians to remain vigilant regarding current and emerging COVID-19 variants that are circulating. The 2024-2025 updated COVID-19 vaccines, manufactured by Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax, are currently available and are recommended for everyone six months and older. COVID-19 symptoms can vary widely, ranging from no symptoms (asymptomatic) to fever, cough, fatigue and body aches, to severe illness. According to the CDC, a person may experience symptoms starting from two to five days, and up to 14 days after infection. Influenza or flu symptoms are similar to COVID-19 symptoms and are both contagious respiratory illnesses, so it may be hard to detect the difference without testing. Experts recommend that a medical professional administer a test that detects both flu and COVID-19 in order to get diagnosed and treated for the specific virus. Local pharmacies like Walgreens can perform combination tests. While some insurances may cover the costs, the test retails at $24.99. CVS sells at-home combination tests where people can test for COVID-19 and Influenza types.What to know about Bird FluRecently, outbreaks of avian flu or bird flu (H5N1) have been detected in California, which led Gov. Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency in December to support the state’s response to bird flu.Bird flu is caused by a virus that is typically spread between birds, but has caused recent outbreaks among poultry and dairy cows in the U.S. Although human infections with bird flu viruses are rare, it can occur when the virus gets into a person’s eyes, nose, mouth or when inhaled. “I think the interesting thing about this year’s winter virus season is that we have resynchronized all of those old illnesses: pneumoviruses, noroviruses, RSV, coronaviruses. [They] are all hitting at around the same time as the flu virus, and this has not been the case since the year of lockdowns in 2020Dr. Ben Neuman, chief virologist at the Global Health Research Complex at Texas A&M UniversityThe first case of bird flu in humans was detected in October 2024. As of Dec. 23, there were 37 human cases of bird flu in California, with 36 of the cases coming from cattle exposure. According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the current risk to the public remains low, and no person-to-person spread of bird flu has been detected in California. “We’re unfortunately in kind of an extraordinary situation here,” said Dr. Maurice Pitesky, an associate professor in cooperative extension at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, during the media briefing. “We’re three plus years into this outbreak, and it’s expanded as far as species, geography, economic impact, food security and unfortunately, now, public health for humans also.”Symptoms of bird flu in humans can include red eyes and irritation, a mild fever (temperature of 100ºF or greater), a cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches and fatigue. People who work in job-related or have recreational exposure to birds or other avian influenza virus-infected animals are at greater risk of infection. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), workers who are most likely to be exposed include poultry,  dairy and other livestock farmers, veterinarians and veterinary staff, and food processing workers handling raw milk.The CDC recommends that those who must have direct or close contact with sick or dead wild birds, poultry or other animals, including dairy cows, wear recommended personal protective equipment (PPE).According to the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health, “properly cooked poultry and eggs are safe to eat. The virus is killed by heat, so it’s important to cook poultry to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).” The CDC also issued a Health Alert Network Health Advisory, recommending only drinking pasteurized milk and eating dairy products made from pasteurized milk. What is Norovirus?Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that is the most common cause of vomiting, diarrhea and foodborne illness in the U.S. Norovirus can spread quickly in close quarter spaces like schools, shelters, jails, hospitals and nursing homes.According to the CDC, norovirus symptoms usually start about one to two days after a person has come in contact with norovirus. Symptoms usually last one to three days. The agency estimates that there are roughly 2,500 reported norovirus outbreaks in the U.S. each year.The CDPH noted that illnesses due to norovirus are most common between November and April. Outbreaks occur when two or more people get sick from a common source like in restaurants, schools and childcare facilities. In California, raw oysters are a common cause of norovirus outbreaks.According to WastewaterSCAN, which tests samples from municipal wastewater for targets associated with infectious diseases, norovirus has been detected in water recycling plants in Ontario and Los Angeles County.To prevent norovirus, the CDC recommends washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the restroom or changing diapers; before eating, preparing or handling food; and before giving oneself or someone else medicine.What to know about Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common, seasonal respiratory virus that usually causes a mild cold, but can lead to severe disease in infants and older adults. RSV is identified as a common infection of the lungs and reason for hospitalization in children younger than one year of age in the U.S. According to the CDPH, RSV immunization is recommended for babies younger than eight months old; high-risk infants or toddlers eight through 19 months; people who are 32–36 weeks pregnant; and all adults 75 years of age and older.“I think the interesting thing about this year’s winter virus season is that we have resynchronized all of those old illnesses: pneumoviruses, noroviruses, RSV, coronaviruses. [They] are all hitting at around the same time as the flu virus, and this has not been the case since the year of lockdowns in 2020,” said Dr. Ben Neuman, chief virologist at the Global Health Research Complex at Texas A&M University.“I think this shows that it’s not so much that these viruses have a season. The seasonality of these is probably driven by what we do and how we gather essentially.”
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