Individual had direct exposure to infected cattle at a Merced County dairy farm
MERCED, CA — The Merced County Department of Public Health in coordination with the California Department of Public Health has confirmed its first human case of H5N1 bird flu.
The individual had direct exposure to infected cattle at a Merced County dairy farm. The case was detected based on symptoms from direct exposure and confirmed by laboratory test results. All known contacts exposed to cattle infected with H5N1 have been notified and are actively being monitored for symptoms of illness. At this time, the risk to the general public remains low.
Individuals can become exposed to the H5N1 virus through direct contact with infected animals such as birds or cattle—alive or dead, their contaminated bedding, feed, water troughs, and other contaminated surfaces. 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
Individuals who are exposed to H5N1 and develop symptoms should seek treatment as soon as possible through their primary care provider or the Merced County Department of Public Health (MCDPH). Individuals exposed to infected H5N1 birds or cattle should be monitored for 10 days after their last day of exposure to the sick/dead animals or any potentially contaminated surfaces. MCDPH is monitoring for H5N1 due to its presence in the Central Valley and encourages the influenza vaccine for everyone—including those at increased risk, that work with dairy or poultry. Healthcare providers are urged to remain vigilant for symptoms and follow up with further evaluation to rule out bird flu.
For the latest updates related to H5N1 or any health issue in Merced County, please visit @MercedCountyDPH on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
For more information on avian influenza, please visit:
