Multiple public health organizations have confirmed two cases of bird flu in San Joaquin County.
San Joaquin County Public Health Services, the California Department of Public Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control recognized the cases, which have occurred in farmworkers with known exposure to infected animals. Both individuals have had mild symptoms and are recovering.
Currently there are 34 confirmed human cases in California.
Dr. Maggie Park, public health officer for SJCPHS, said in a statement: “We have an abundance of dairy farms in our county and want to ensure that these farm workers can do their important work as safely as possible by using PPE. We are also encouraging the public to avoid consuming raw milk or raw eggs and not to handle any dead birds. Our agency is working closely with numerous county and state partners to continue monitoring the status of H5N1 cases.”
People who handle birds, poultry or cattle are at higher risk and should implement safety
precautions, including wearing recommended personal protective equipment when working in close contact with these animals. This would include respirators (N95 masks), eye protection (face shields or safety goggles) and gloves.
CDPH also recommends this group of workers receive a seasonal flu vaccine to help mitigate compound influenza exposure.
Currently, there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission of the H5N1 bird flu virus.
SJCPHS is actively monitoring exposed farmworkers for symptoms, providing flu vaccinations and collaborating with county partners in distributing educational resources to farms.
The risk to the general public is low. SJCPHS is recommending that the public not consume raw milk or raw milk products, or raw eggs at this time.
If a person starts to feel sick, immediately isolate, notify SJCPHS and work with public health and
healthcare providers to get testing and treatment. Exposed workers can notify SJCPHS at (209) 468-3400, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Outside these hours and on weekends, call (209) 468-6000 or email sjcdiseasereporting@sjcphs.org.