Presumptive case of bird flu identified in San Francisco resident
Jan 10, 2025
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) -- San Francisco health officials said Friday that a presumptive case of H5N1 bird flu had been identified in a San Francisco resident. The individual was a child, according to the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH).
The child experienced symptoms that included fever and conjunctivitis but did not require hospitalization. The patient has since fully recovered, officials said.
SFDPH said the risk to the general public remains low and there is no current evidence of person-to-person transmission. However, the health agency is cautioning people to avoid direct contact with sick or dead birds, especially wild birds or poultry.
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"Wild birds can be infected with bird flu even if they do not look sick," said SFDPH.
If you come across a dead bird, officials said you could contact 311. With bird flu continuing to spread among US dairy cows, SFDPH also advises people not to consume raw milk or raw milk products, including raw cheese.
“I want to assure everyone in our city that the risk to the general public is low, and there is no current evidence that the virus can be transmitted between people,” said Dr. Grant Colfax, Director of Health. “We will continue to investigate this presumptive case, and I am urging all San Franciscans to avoid direct contact with sick or dead birds, especially wild birds and poultry. Also, please avoid unpasteurized dairy products.”
The positive case was found in a child who initially was tested for COVID-19, influenza and RSV based on symptoms. The child tested positive for influenza. As part of an enhanced surveillance, the child was tested for bird flu.
Human infections with bird flu remain rare, officials said.