First U.S. Child Diagnosed with H5N1 Bird Flu in California

The child experienced mild symptoms, prompting investigations into the source of infection as experts monitor potential risks.

A child in Alameda County, California, has been diagnosed with H5N1 bird flu, marking the first confirmed case in a minor in the United States.
The child exhibited mild symptoms and has since recovered following antiviral treatment, with all family members testing negative for the virus.
Authorities are investigating the source of the infection, as the child had no known direct contact with infected animals or environments linked to the virus.
The H5N1 virus is widespread globally among wild birds and mammals, with recent outbreaks reported in U.S. poultry and livestock, including milk and swine farms.
Experts emphasize that the risk to the general population remains low, as no human-to-human transmission of H5N1 has been documented to date.