Two cases of bird flu have been reported in California’s San Joaquin county, according to local health officials.
According to a press release issued on Friday and reported by the Sacramento Bee, health officials from San Joaquin county public health services said that both cases occurred in farmworkers who had had exposure to infected animals. Both individuals have exhibited mild symptoms and are recovering, officials said, adding that there are 34 confirmed cases in total across California.
In a warning issued on Facebook, health officials said that bird flu is “spreading in some farm animals like poultry and cows” and urged residents to take precautions to prevent the spread of the disease.
The precautions included using protective gear when working with poultry, dairy cows or other animals that could be infected, as well as when handling raw and unpasteurized milk.
Suggested protective gear include respirators approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, goggles or face shields, coveralls, head cover, boots and gloves.
Across the country, there are currently a total of 60 confirmed cases of bird flu. Although the majority of the cases are coming from California, other states with confirmed cases include Colorado, Michigan, Missouri, Oregon, Texas and Washington, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Symptoms of bird flu – which stems from a type of influenza A virus – include pink eye or conjunctivitis, fever, fatigue, cough, muscle aches, sore throat, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, stuffy or runny nose as well as shortness of breath. The majority of the recent cases of bird flu have caused pink eye and mild respiratory symptoms, Cleveland Clinic stated on its website.
Treatments for bird flu typically consist of antiviral drugs including Oseltamivir, Peramivir or Zanamivir.