California Child Recovers from First U.S. Case of Avian Influenza A(H5N1)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed a case of avian influenza A(H5N1), also known as H5N1 bird flu, in a child residing in California. This marks the first reported case of this highly contagious virus among children in the United States. Consistent with prior cases confirmed across the country, the child exhibited only mild symptoms and was treated with flu antivirals. Initial tests showed low levels of the virus, but follow-up testing cleared the child of bird flu, though it revealed the presence of common respiratory viruses. The child is currently recovering at home.

An investigation led by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is ongoing to identify the possible exposure source to H5N1. During the investigation, all members of the patient’s household reported symptoms and were tested. Results confirmed that none were positive for H5 bird flu, although some were positive for other respiratory viruses similar to those found in the child. Contact tracing efforts are underway, with health officials reporting no evidence of person-to-person transmission.

This case was detected as part of a broader influenza surveillance initiative and reported to the CDPH. It is the second such case in the U.S. discovered through national monitoring systems. CDC continues to observe data from states including California, where extensive outbreaks of H5N1 have been reported in wild birds and domestic poultry since 2022. More recently, dairy herds were affected in August 2024.

Across the country, there have been 55 human cases of H5 bird flu reported in 2024, 29 of which originated in California. While instances of human infections without identified animal exposure are rare, these occurrences highlight the critical need for ongoing surveillance. Experts involved in the field emphasize that the public risk remains low, although individuals with exposure to potentially infected animals face increased risk.

«It’s natural for people to be concerned,» stated Dr. Tomás Aragón, director of the California Department of Public Health, «we want to reassure families based on current data that human-to-human spread of bird flu has not been documented for over 15 years.»

The CDC advises avoiding unprotected contact with sick or deceased animals, encompassing wild birds and domesticated livestock, to mitigate potential infection risks. Further updates will be provided as more information emerges regarding the case in California.