MERCED COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - The Merced County Department of Public Health has confirmed its first human case of bird flu Monday in the county. On Oct. 18, it was confirmed by state health officials that there were 13 cases of bird flu reported in the Central Valley. The diagnosis was in coordination with the California Department of Public Health. On Monday, officials say a Merced County resident had direct exposure to infected cattle at a Merced County dairy farm, becoming the first human case of bird flu in the county. The case was detected based on symptoms from direct exposure and confirmed by laboratory test results. According to officials, the risk to the general public remains low. Officials say the risk of human infection of avian influenza is low, and human-to-human transmission of H5N1 is rare. Symptoms of H5N1 infection are consistent with acute respiratory tract infections including, but not limited to: Cough Sore throat Fever Runny or stuffy nose Fatigue Muscle or body aches Conjunctivitis (eye discharge) Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing