First case of child with bird flu in US detected in California: CDC

There have now been 55 cases of the bird flu in the U.S. this year, 29 of which were reported in California. An investigation into how the child was exposed to the virus is still ongoing.

By Misty Severi

Published: November 22, 2024 4:25pm

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday confirmed that the first United States case of the bird flu in a child was reported in California.

There have now been 55 cases of the bird flu in the U.S. this year, 29 of which were reported in California. However, there is no evidence that any cases have spread from person-to-person via the child.

The child, who had mild symptoms of the illness, received flu antivirals and is recovering from the virus. No information on the child's age or gender has been disclosed, but the virus was detected through influenza testing and reported to the California Department of Public Health.

An investigation into how the child was exposed to the virus is still ongoing.

The threat level of the virus to the general public remains low, the agency said, but people should stay away from sick animals and dead birds..

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.