Meanwhile, agency urges faster testing for avian influenza A(H5N1) in hospitalized patients with suspected influenza
By Physician’s Briefing Staff HealthDay Reporter
FRIDAY, Jan. 17, 2025 (HealthDay News) — On Thursday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed another case of avian influenza A(H5N1), or bird flu, in California, bringing the nationwide total of cases to 67.
California has been hit hardest, accounting for 38 cases, according to CDC data. The latest case involved a San Francisco child who developed fever and conjunctivitis but was not hospitalized and has since fully recovered.
Most of the H5N1 infections in California have been linked to exposure to sick dairy cows, as well as poultry, though state health officials have reported two cases with undetermined exposure sources. Both involved children.
In its latest report, the CDC emphasized that the risk to the general public still remains low. However, certain groups have a higher risk, including farm workers exposed to sick animals or their byproducts, backyard bird flock owners, animal care workers, and public health responders. The agency also outlined factors that could raise the threat level, including increased disease severity and genetic changes in the virus.
Meanwhile, the CDC is urging health care workers to accelerate testing for avian influenza A(H5N1) in patients hospitalized with flu symptoms.
The health advisory, issued Jan. 16, recommends that health care providers perform a test for avian influenza A(H5N1) within 24 hours of hospital admission for any patient suspected of having seasonal or bird flu. The advisory also suggests starting antiviral treatment, such as oseltamivir, immediately, without waiting for test results.
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