Health officials in San Francisco announced Friday that they are investigating a suspected case of H5N1 bird flu found in a child living in the city.
According to the city’s Department of Health (SFDPH), the child experienced symptoms of fever and conjunctivitis, also known as pinkeye. The child did not require hospitalization and has since fully recovered.
Officials said that based on symptoms, the child was tested for COVID-19, influenza and RSV and tested positive for influenza A. The child’s specimen was then tested for H5N1, which was positive.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will conduct additional testing to confirm this. SFDPH said they are investigating all close contacts.
In a statement Friday, health officials said there is no evidence of person-to-person transmission of bird flu.
“I would like to reassure everyone in our city that the risk to the general public is low and there is currently no evidence that the virus can be transmitted between people,” said Dr. Grant Colfax, the city’s public health director. “We will continue to investigate this suspected matter.”
Colfax urged people to avoid direct contact with sick or dead birds, especially wild birds and poultry. With the virus spreading among dairy cows, officials are urging people to avoid raw milk or raw milk products such as raw cheese.
On Friday, the CDC reported 66 confirmed human cases of bird flu in the US since last year, with one death in Louisiana linked to an H5N1 bird flu infection.
City residents who find dead birds are asked to contact 311.
