July 13, 2025 Your Source for Brentwood News

First Human Case of H5 Bird Flu Confirmed in Los Angeles County

Exposure to Raw or Undercooked Animal Products Pose Risks

A human case of H5 bird flu has been confirmed in Los Angeles County, marking the first detected case in the region. The infected individual, an adult who was exposed to infected livestock at a worksite, experienced mild symptoms, received antiviral treatment, and is now recovering at home, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

Officials emphasized that the overall risk to the public remains low, with no evidence of person-to-person transmission. Close contacts of the infected individual, along with other exposed workers, are being monitored for symptoms. They have also been provided personal protective equipment, testing, and antiviral prophylaxis. No additional cases have been identified so far.

Public Health is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) as part of an ongoing investigation.

“People rarely get bird flu, but those who interact with infected livestock or wildlife are at a greater risk of infection,” said Dr. Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County Health Officer. “This case reminds us to take precautions, such as avoiding unprotected contact with sick or dead animals, steering clear of raw or undercooked animal products, and protecting pets and backyard poultry from exposure to wild animals.”

Dr. Davis also urged residents to receive a seasonal flu vaccine, which can help prevent severe flu cases and reduce the risk of co-infection with seasonal and bird flu viruses. Symptoms of H5 bird flu in humans include eye redness or discharge, fever, cough, difficulty breathing, sore throat, muscle aches, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Workers exposed to livestock, poultry, or wildlife are at a higher risk of contracting H5 bird flu. Public Health has partnered with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the local agricultural community to provide key risk groups—such as farm workers and backyard flock owners—with information, resources, and protective equipment like gloves, masks, and eye protection.

Public Health advises individuals who experience symptoms after exposure to sick animals to contact their healthcare provider and local health department immediately.

When handling animals or materials such as feces, water sources, or raw milk, Public Health recommends the following precautions:

  • Wear disposable gloves, N-95 masks, goggles, and protective clothing.
  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating or touching the face.
  • Avoid consuming raw dairy products or feeding them to pets.
  • Change clothing and shower before returning home from work.

Public Health also shared guidelines to reduce risk for residents:

  • Avoid raw dairy and undercooked meat products: Do not consume or serve these items to pets.
  • Limit animal contact: Avoid handling sick or dead birds, or materials contaminated with bird feces.
  • Report sick or dead birds: Contact local animal control agencies if you see unusual bird behavior.
  • Protect pets and poultry: Keep them away from wild birds and ensure proper housing.
  • Remove bird feeders and baths: Reduce the risk of virus transmission among wild birds.
  • Get vaccinated: A seasonal flu vaccine can mitigate risks of simultaneous human and bird flu infections.

Residents can call the Public Health InfoLine at 833-540-0473 daily between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. for questions or assistance.

For more information on avian flu, visit:

in News
Related Posts

Chinese Bakery Hi Bake to Open First U.S. Store in Beverly Hills: REPORT

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

Hi Bake will offer a fusion of French and Asian pastries, including croissants filled with molten chocolate or wagyu beef...

County Supervisors Move to Preserve Measure J Amid Charter Error

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

Measure J mandates that at least 10% of the county’s locally generated, unrestricted funds be allocated to community investments like...

Sen. Ben Allen Highlights Challenges, Economic Gains for LA28 Olympics

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The remarks came during the first informational hearing of the Senate’s Special Committee on International Sporting Events State Sen. Ben...

Downtown Santa Monica CEO Andrew Thomas to Step Down

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

Thomas, who rejoined DTSM, Inc. in 2022, oversaw the introduction of a private security program, expanded homeless outreach, and boosted...

Mayor Bass Issues Directive to Protect Immigrant Communities

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The order expands access to city resources for affected families and requests records from ICE, including details on arrests Mayor...

(Video) Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

To Sign Up Now, Go To Schoolofrock.com Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars To...

County Health Leaders Decry Federal Policy Barring Undocumented from Programs

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

The officials argued the policy jeopardizes care for all residents, noting it could deter people—regardless of status—from seeking treatment  Leaders...

LA Medical Center Seeks Help Identifying Unconscious Patient

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

He has been unconscious since admission, and staff have been unable to determine his identity Los Angeles General Medical Center,...

L.A. Louver Marks David Hockney’s 88th with Exhibit

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Hockney, a British artist born in 1937, gained fame with the British Pop Art movement and later became known for...

California Seizes $476 Million in Illegal Cannabis

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

The operation, described as UCETF’s largest to date, involved support from multiple state agencies The state confiscated $476 million worth...

Suspect Arrested in Shoe Retail Theft Spree Across LA County

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

During the search, police recovered two firearms and a significant quantity of merchandise The Los Angeles Police Department’s Organized Retail...

For the Win Burger Chain Expanding to Brentwood: REPORT

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

Popular items include the double cheeseburger with bacon and jalapenos, as well as loaded fries topped with For The Win...

The Bar at Century Plaza to Celebrate National Caviar Day with Exclusive Tastings

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The seven-hour event will feature exclusive caviar tastings and champagne pairings The Bar at Fairmont Century Plaza will host a...

Father-Daughter Authors to Host Book Signing to Aid Fire-Affected Women

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

Ten percent of proceeds from book and art sales will benefit the Pacific Palisades Rebuilding Fund, a nonprofit initiative created...

Metro Reports Crime Drop, Higher Rider Satisfaction, and Progress on Major Projects

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The Authority said the drop in violent incidents—down to the lowest level since May 2019—coincided with more uniformed personnel and...