San Francisco Sun

The San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) has reported a presumptive case of H5N1 bird flu in a child residing in San Francisco. The child experienced symptoms such as fever and conjunctivitis but did not require hospitalization and has since fully recovered. The SFDPH emphasized that the risk to the general public is low, as there is no evidence of person-to-person transmission.

Dr. Grant Colfax, Director of Health, reassured residents: “I want to assure everyone in our city that the risk to the general public is low, and there is no current evidence that the virus can be transmitted between people.” He urged San Franciscans to avoid contact with sick or dead birds and unpasteurized dairy products.

The initial test for H5N1 was conducted at the SFDPH Public Health Laboratory as part of enhanced surveillance efforts, with confirmatory testing set to occur at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The child had initially tested positive for influenza A after being checked for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV based on symptoms.

SFDPH continues its investigation into how the child may have contracted H5N1, including assessing all close contacts. Dr. Colfax reiterated that there is currently no evidence of person-to-person transmission.

Residents are advised to avoid direct contact with sick or dead birds and refrain from consuming raw milk or raw milk products due to ongoing bird flu spread among U.S. dairy cows. Pasteurized milk and dairy products remain safe for consumption.

Human infections with bird flu viruses are rare in the United States, with no detected person-to-person transmission so far. Symptoms include eye redness, coughing, fatigue, fever, and headaches. Residents experiencing these symptoms should consult their healthcare provider. Bird flu cases in California have been mild without hospitalizations.

Further information can be accessed through the California Department of Public Health and CDC websites.