San Francisco’s public health department has reported a presumptive case of H5N1 bird flu in a local child. The child experienced symptoms of fever and conjunctivitis but recovered without hospitalization.
The risk to the general public remains low as there is no evidence of person-to-person transmission. The San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) advises against direct contact with sick or dead birds, especially wild birds and poultry.
Residents are also warned not to consume raw milk or raw cheese due to the ongoing bird flu outbreak in U.S. dairy cows. Pasteurized products are safe to eat.
Dr. Grant Colfax, SFDPH’s Director of Health, stated that the risk to the public is low, but urged everyone to take precautions against bird contact and avoid unpasteurized dairy products. The department continues to investigate how the child contracted H5N1 and will provide updates on the case.
Source: https://www.sf.gov/news/presumptive-bird-flu-case-identified-san-francisco-resident