Bird Flu Cases Rise in California, Third Human Case Reported

A Closer Look

California has reported a third human case of bird flu this week, involving a dairy worker who had contact with infected cattle. This follows a surge in infections among dairy cows in the state, the largest milk producer in the U.S.

The California Department of Public Health is also investigating two additional possible cases of individuals who may have had contact with infected dairy cattle.

Nationwide, nearly 300 dairy herds across 14 states have tested positive for bird flu this year, with about a third of those cases found in California since late August. However, officials emphasize that pasteurized milk and dairy products remain safe to consume.

Sixteen people exposed to dairy cows and poultry have tested positive for bird flu in 2024. Another individual in Missouri, who had no known contact with animals, also tested positive.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that human cases exposed to infected animals are "not unexpected," but the risk to the general public remains low.

The California Department of Public Health has not identified any known link or contact between the confirmed or possible cases in the state, suggesting the virus spread from animals to humans.

Last week, California reported two human cases of bird flu in dairy workers.