RIVERSIDE, CA – Health officials in Riverside County confirmed Wednesday that avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has been detected in at least 23 dairy and poultry farms across the county. While no human cases have emerged locally, authorities are advising residents to remain vigilant as the virus continues to spread among commercial agricultural centers and wildlife in the region.
The announcement comes after reports surfaced of a human fatality linked to the H5N1 virus in Louisiana earlier this month. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicated that deaths associated with the virus, though concerning, are within the realm of expectation given its potential to result in severe illness or even fatal outcomes.
Since last year, the nation has recorded 66 instances of human infection, according to U.S. health officials. Notably, there have been no documented cases of human-to-human transmission within the country, Riverside University Health System reassures.
The health system has published guidelines outlining the principal ways the virus can spread and recommending measures to mitigate exposure risk.
Among the primary methods of transmission are contact with contaminated surfaces followed by touching the face, handling of sick or deceased animals, inhalation of virus-laden droplets, and consumption of unpasteurized raw milk or dairy products.
To reduce the threat of infection, residents are encouraged to wash their hands promptly after animal contact and to avoid touching their eyes, nose, or mouth subsequently. Protective clothing is advised for those working with animals, alongside a change of attire or a shower following exposure. Moreover, operating in open-air or well-ventilated spaces is recommended, especially when dealing with potentially infected animals.
For those in close contact with farm animals, using personal protective equipment such as an N95 respirator is highly recommended to shield against potential virus exposure.
As Riverside County navigates this health challenge, public health officials continue to monitor the situation closely, urging community members to take each precaution seriously while keeping informed through reliable official sources.
