In a significant public health update, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has confirmed the state’s first case of human infection with the H5 avian influenza virus. This announcement comes on the heels of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) reporting five additional infections among farm workers, raising the total number of cases in California to 26 since early October.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has verified all reported cases, bringing the national total to 52 infections since the beginning of the year. The individual in Oregon had prior exposure to infected poultry linked to an outbreak at a commercial poultry farm in Clackamas County, which was identified on October 24 and involved a staggering 150,000 birds.
Health officials in Clackamas County had been actively monitoring individuals connected to the outbreak, which ultimately led to the detection of this illness. Fortunately, the patient exhibited mild symptoms and has since fully recovered. The OHA further reported that both the patient and their household contacts were treated with antiviral medications, and no additional person-to-person transmission has been documented.
In California, the recent cases include infections from Fresno and Madera counties, regions heavily involved in dairy farming. Notably, two of the latest cases stem from Madera County, where one case is confirmed and another is presumed positive. These individuals had contact with infected dairy cattle and are currently experiencing mild symptoms while receiving antiviral treatment at home. Madera County officials emphasized that there is no connection between these two cases, indicating that the transmission is solely from animals to humans.
The CDPH has also reported a new case from Fresno County, marking the county’s first confirmed infection. This case involves a resident who had contact with infected dairy cattle on a farm. Similar to the other cases, the patient is experiencing mild symptoms and is being treated at home.
Despite the recent surge in infections, California’s new cases are linked to dairy farms rather than poultry farms, even as the state grapples with a series of large outbreaks in its poultry sector. The CDC’s updated figures reflect this trend, highlighting the distinct nature of the recent infections.
In terms of animal health, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed three additional H5N1 outbreaks among dairy cattle in California, pushing the state’s total to 291 outbreaks. Nationwide, the total number of outbreaks has reached 508 across 15 states.
Furthermore, APHIS has reported three new outbreaks on commercial poultry farms in California, which include a broiler facility and a turkey producer in Fresno County, as well as a turkey farm in Merced County. These developments underscore the ongoing challenges faced by agricultural sectors in managing avian influenza outbreaks.
As health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, they emphasize the importance of biosecurity measures on farms and the need for vigilance among farm workers and those who come into contact with livestock. Public health officials are urging those who experience symptoms after exposure to infected animals to seek medical attention promptly and adhere to recommended guidelines to prevent further spread of the virus.
With the situation evolving, health agencies are committed to keeping the public informed and prepared to address any potential health risks associated with avian influenza.
