California Bird Flu Outbreak Spreads from Cows to Humans

Advocates call for increased testing of farmworkers as cases rise, though symptoms remain mild and human-to-human transmission is not observed.

California has reported 16 human cases of bird flu this month, with mild symptoms and no hospitalizations.
The H5N1 strain has jumped from cattle to humans, with almost all U.S. cases occurring in California.
Worker advocates criticize the state's reliance on self-reporting and call for more comprehensive testing.
Protective gear distribution and education efforts are underway, with over 1 million PPE pieces provided.
Farmworkers express concerns over unpaid isolation periods, prompting calls for better compensation policies.