The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed a human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) (H5N1 bird flu) in a child in California. This is the first reported avian influenza H5 virus infection in a child in the United States. Consistent with previously identified human cases in the United States, the child reportedly experienced mild symptoms and received flu antivirals. There were low levels of viral material detected in the initial specimen collected, and follow-up testing of the child several days later was negative for H5 bird flu but was positive for other common respiratory viruses. The child is recovering from their illness. An investigation by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) into the child’s possible H5N1 exposure source is ongoing.
High in humans. This is not the first case, the concerning part is that the disease seems to be becoming more infectious to humans. There have been previous isolated incidents but the trends right now are very concerning.
The headline makes it sound like this is the first case
First reported infection in a child in the USA. The question becomes how was it transmitted. Assuming the child is not exposed to infected poultry, then another vector must be responsible. The real danger is the mutation of the virus into a human to human transmissible strain. If an effective vaccine can’t be manufactured quickly, many deaths are possible. Now, I see in your previous comments that you say we have been living with viruses for thousands of years. That is true but that shouldn’t stop us from protecting ourselves. The deaths may be just a statistic to you but every death is a tragedy for someone.