SAN FRANCISCO — Public well being officers say a San Francisco youngster has presumptively examined optimistic for H5N1 chook flu.
The San Francisco Division of Well being stated that the kid, who skilled fever and conjunctivitis signs, has since totally recovered and there’s low danger to the general public.
“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,” stated Dr. Grant Colfax, director of well being.
The division’s Public Well being Laboratory carried out the preliminary assessments. The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention will carry out confirmatory assessments.
Earlier than the kid’s optimistic take a look at, the California Division of Well being had reported 37 human circumstances of chook flu as of Dec. 23.
In all however a type of circumstances, well being officers sourced publicity to cattle. None of circumstances required hospitalization.
Regardless of the restricted impacts on people, the state proclaimed a state of emergency final month to answer outbreaks all through its dairy farms.
Earlier than the chook flu analysis, the kid initially examined optimistic for COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus.
Potential signs of chook flu included eye redness, coughing, fatigue, fever and complications.
An preliminary investigation has not decided how the kid contracted the virus and stays ongoing.
Well being officers have warned residents to keep away from contact with sick or lifeless birds and chorus from consuming uncooked milk or unpasteurized dairy merchandise.
