The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed the first-ever U.S. case of avian influenza A(H5N1), commonly known as bird flu, in a child residing in California.
The child experienced mild symptoms and is recovering after receiving treatment with antiviral medication. Initial testing showed low levels of the H5N1 virus, but subsequent tests found no trace of the bird flu.
Instead, the child tested positive for other common respiratory viruses, indicating a possible mixed infection, according to the CDC.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is investigating the source of the child’s exposure to H5N1. Family members who reported similar symptoms were tested as part of the investigation.
None were infected with H5N1, though several were found to have the same common respiratory viruses detected in the child.
The CDC reassures the public that the risk of H5N1 spreading among humans remains low, and this case serves as a reminder to monitor health risks tied to zoonotic diseases.
