California has declared a state of emergency following a major outbreak of H5N1 bird flu among the state’s cattle. The virus has now spread and infected dozens of dairy and poultry workers.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recorded 61 human cases of bird flu across 16 states.
California Governor Gavin Newsom issued the state of emergency after the first severe human case was detected in Louisiana. According to The Daily Mail, the individual in Louisiana was hospitalized with H5N1.
“This proclamation is a targeted action to ensure government agencies have the resources and flexibility they need to respond quickly to this outbreak,” Newsom said. “While the risk to the public remains low, we will continue to take all necessary steps to prevent the spread of this virus.
Where Has The H5N1 Bird Flu Virus Been Detected?
It’s also been reported that the H5N1 virus has been detected in 645 dairy herds since August. The virus seems to be spreading rapidly. Nearly half of the cases were reported within the last 30 days.
California has seen the highest number of human cases, detecting 34 of the 61 cases. CBS News has also reported that “one California raw milk dairy issued a voluntary recall earlier in December after bird flu was detected in a lot.”
Newsom also stated that most of the confirmed cases have been linked to dairy and poultry workers. As of now, health and public officials said there haven’t been “recorded cases of person-to-person spread of bird flu.”
The second highest number of human cases of the H5N1 virus is Washington state with 11 total cases. Colorado is the third highest with 10 total cases. The state of emergency that Newsom has declared “will open up funding for state and local agencies to respond to the bird flu situation.”