First human cases of bird flu

FRESNO – (INT) – State health officials are confirming the first two human cases of bird flu. And, a third case is suspected.

The incidents are in the Central Valley and involved individuals who had contact with infected dairy cattle.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) said there was no known link or contact between the three individuals, suggesting only animal-to-human spread of the virus in California.

Mild symptoms were similar, including conjunctivitis (pink eye).

The CDPH said the risk to the general public remains low, but people who interact with infected animals, like dairy or poultry farm workers, are at higher risk of getting bird flu.