23 Riverside County dairy and poultry farms test positive for bird flu, health officials say
No human cases have been detected in the county but the Riverside University Health System has told local residents to take precautions as a growing number of commercial agriculture facilities and wildlife are exposed to the virus. Earlier this month, a patient hospitalized with the first human case of the virus, or H5N1, died in the state of Louisiana, health officials said.
While reporting the fatality, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted that a death from the virus is "not unexpected" since it has a "known potential" for leading to severe symptoms, illness, and even death. The severity of illness can depend on factors such as genetic changes of the virus and the amount of virus to which people are exposed, the CDC reports.
There have been 66 confirmed human cases of bird flu in the U.S. since last year and 67 since 2022, U.S. health officials say. The Riverside University Health System reports there have been no cases of person-to-person transmission in the country.
The health system has listed the various ways the virus can be transferred as well as tips for preventing exposure and infection.
How the virus is spread
Touching of the eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands after exposure to contaminated surfaces and the handling of sick or dead animals
Breathing in droplets or dust contaminated with the virus
Consumption of unpasteurized raw milk and dairy products
Tips for preventing exposure
Washing hands immediately after coming into contact with animals and avoiding touching one's eyes, nose or mouth afterwards
Wearing protective clothing and footwear while working with animals and changing clothes or showering after exposure
Staying outdoors or in well-ventilated indoor environments while working with animals
Using and wearing personal protective equipment such as an N95 respirator when handling animals that could be infected
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