Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
LA County reports its first human case of bird flu
Dairy cows at a farm on July 05, 2022 in Visalia, California.
(
Spencer Platt
/
Getty Images
)
Topline:
The first Los Angeles County case of human bird flu is here, according to health officials, but the overall risk to the public remains low.
What happened: The person was exposed to H5N1 through infected livestock at a worksite. They’ve had mild symptoms and are recovering at home, according to the public health department. No other infections have been found in connection with this case so far.
Why this matters: While there still hasn’t been any person-to-person spread, California’s had half of the nation’s bird flu cases. It comes after Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a state of emergency over the situation as more cows tested positive for bird flu in other parts of the state. Roughly two-thirds of California dairies have had infected livestock, including four Southern California dairies a couple weeks ago. Bird flu has also been found in L.A. County cats.
What you should know: While most people don’t get bird flu, you’ll want to take extra precautions to prevent exposure if you work closely with animals. Touching dead animals, their feces, or surfaces that are contaminated with water or raw milk could expose you to H5N1. Bird flu symptoms in humans have mostly been mild and include eye redness, fever and diarrhea. The department recommends that anyone possibly exposed should contact them or their health care provider.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
