California declares a state of emergency due to bird flu

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported the first severe case of bird influenza in a human in the United States. The patient is hospitalized in Louisiana.

Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency, arguing that the decision is “to further enhance the state’s preparedness and accelerate ongoing interagency response efforts”.

The California Department of Public Health, CDPH, reports that it is working to protect public health related to bird influenza and states that they monitor “infection data, evolving science and affected persons.”

It adds that they are committed to reducing the impact on those most at risk.

But following the spread of bird flu in 16 states, including California and outside the Central Valley, Gov. Gavin Newsom said the State of Emergency proclamation, is a specific action to ensure that government agencies have the resources and flexibility they need to respond quickly to this outbreak.”

In a statement, it said that “while the risk to the public remains low, they will continue to take all necessary steps to prevent the spread of this virus.”
According to the California Department of Health, a comprehensive interagency response to avian flu has been put in place on dairy and poultry farms to minimize exposure of farm workers, reduce contamination of raw dairy products and mitigate the spread of the virus.
The state’s decision is intended to combat the disease by providing state agencies with the resources and authority to respond as quickly as possible to the spread of the disease.

Thus, monitoring will be expanded and a statewide mitigation strategy will be implemented.

The California authority recalls that it has relied “on the technical and operational expertise of local, state and federal governments to support all facets of the response; worked to educate the public, health care professionals, employers and workers about prevention and control measures to reduce the risk of exposure to avian influenza; provided comprehensive information to employers and workers about personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements; and distributed millions of pieces of PPE to high-risk workers on dairy farms.”

The CDC on its official accounts provides information and a video on precautions people can take to protect themselves from H5N1 Avian Influenza, such as wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) when around infected animals. 

Another CDC recommendation on its Spanish page is about the seasonal influenza vaccine, reminding you of the importance of getting it.

It adds that if you are exposed to infected or possibly infected animals, you should get the seasonal influenza vaccine.

Remember it is important to be protected to reduce the risk of exposure to the bird flu.