CDC Confirms H5N1 Bird Flu Infection in California Child

CDC has confirmed a “human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) (H5N1 bird flu) in a child in California. This is the first reported avian influenza H5 virus infection in a child in the United States.”

The child “reportedly experienced mild symptoms and received flu antivirals. There were low levels of viral material detected in the initial specimen collected, and follow-up testing of the child several days later was negative for H5 bird flu but was positive for other common respiratory viruses.” Household members all tested positive for the common respiratory viruses the child had, but not H5 bird flu, suggesting no evidence of person-to-person H5N1 spread.

This is the second U.S. case “identified through national surveillance.” In general, “limited and sporadic human infections with avian influenza H5N1 virus, where animal exposure was not identified, are very uncommon but have occurred, primarily in countries other than the United States. These instances underscore the importance of ongoing surveillance and investigations at the local, state, and Federal levels. Including this most recent case, 55 human cases of H5 bird flu have now been reported in the United States during 2024, with 29 in California.” The risk assessment for the general public remains low.