California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency over a bird flu outbreak in California, saying the move would allow the state to “expedite” its efforts to contain the outbreak. The Telegraph has the story.
It comes shortly after an individual in Louisiana was sent to hospital with bird flu, marking the U.S.’s first severe reaction to the H5N1 virus.
California has recorded 32 of the 61 bird flu infections in the U.S., according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
There are no signs that the virus has spread between humans in the state, which would be necessary for a pandemic to start. Currently, all cases have been linked to exposure to cattle or birds.
California officials said the decision to declare the emergency was made after H5N1 was detected in cattle in the south of the state.
Mr. Newsom said on Thursday: “This proclamation is a targeted action to ensure Government agencies have the resources and flexibility they need to respond quickly to this outbreak.
“While the risk to the public remains low, we will continue to take all necessary steps to prevent the spread of this virus.”
California ended its Covid state of emergency in February 2023, having issued it in March 2020.
Earlier on Thursday, Louisiana said an individual had suffered the U.S.’s first severe reaction to the H5N1 virus after being exposed to “sick or dead birds” on their property.
“The patient is experiencing severe respiratory illness related to H5N1 infection and is currently hospitalised in critical condition,” said Emma Herrock, a spokesman for the state health department.
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