Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jan 11, 2025 2 hours, 55 minutes ago
Medical News: Officials Investigate Potential H5N1 Case
San Francisco health officials are currently investigating a possible case of H5N1 bird flu in a child, sparking concerns and emphasizing the importance of public health vigilance. The San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) shared the update on Friday, stating that the child experienced mild symptoms and has since fully recovered.
Presumptive Bird Flu Case Reported in a Child in San Francisco Bay Area
The child initially showed signs of fever and conjunctivitis, commonly known as pinkeye. Though the symptoms prompted medical testing for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV, results confirmed the presence of influenza A. As part of the department's enhanced disease surveillance protocols, further testing was conducted, which revealed a presumptive positive result for H5N1. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is now performing additional tests to confirm the case.
Health officials have not yet determined how the child might have been exposed to the virus. While the exact source remains unknown, the incident underscores the need for caution, particularly when dealing with wild birds or unpasteurized dairy products. This
Medical News report aims to provide a clear and comprehensive update on the situation, as well as advice for the public.
A Broader Context of Bird Flu Cases
The ongoing H5N1 epidemic has seen a total of 66 confirmed human cases in the United States, with California reporting 38 of these. This includes earlier cases in children from Alameda County and Marin County. In both instances, exposure was linked to wild birds or raw dairy products. Nationwide, the CDC has documented one fatality associated with the virus in Louisiana, involving an individual with pre-existing health conditions.
While no human-to-human transmission has been documented, the outbreak continues to pose potential risks. Dr. Grant Colfax, San Francisco’s Director of Health, reassured the public, saying, “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. We will continue to investigate this presumptive case.”
https://www.sf.gov/news/presumptive-bird-flu-case-identified-san-francisco-resident
Precautionary Measures for the Public
SFDPH has urged residents to avoid direct contact with sick or dead birds, particularly wild birds and poultry. With the virus spreading among dairy cows, officials are also warning against consuming raw milk or unpasteurized dairy products such as raw cheese. These measures are crucial to prevent possible exposure to the virus.
Key Takeaways
The presumptive case in San Francisco highlights the importance of ongoing public health surveillance and adherence to preventive measures. The city’s health officials are workin
g closely with the CDC to confirm the case and investigate its origins. Although the risk to the general population remains low, awareness and caution are essential.
As the situation evolves, it serves as a reminder to stay informed and proactive in following public health guidelines.
For the latest H5N1 News, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/two-possible-cases-of-human-h5n1-infections-reported-in-oakland-county-michigan
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/australian-scientist-claim-that-the-global-population-is-equipped-to-fight-h5n1-infections-via-cd8-t-cells
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/h5n1-avian-flu
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