California Department of Public Health
🇺🇸United States
California Child Tests Positive for H5N1 Bird Flu Without Known Animal Exposure
• A child in Alameda County, California has tested positive for H5N1 bird flu despite having no known contact with infected animals, raising concerns about potential transmission pathways.
• CDC testing confirmed the virus strain is similar to those detected in dairy cattle and poultry, though the child had low viral levels, was not likely infectious to others, and has since recovered.
• This case marks a concerning development in the ongoing bird flu outbreak that has infected 58 people across seven U.S. states this year, with California accounting for 32 cases.
First U.S. Case of More Virulent Mpox Strain Detected in California Traveler
• California health officials have confirmed the first U.S. case of the more virulent "clade Ib" mpox strain in a traveler returning from Africa, where the variant has caused widespread outbreaks.
• The infected individual is isolating at home and recovering, with public health workers contacting those who had close contact, though officials state there is no evidence of local transmission.
• While historically more severe than the clade II strain that circulated globally in 2022, recent data suggests the current clade I outbreak may cause less severe illness than in previous outbreaks, with death rates potentially much lower in countries with robust healthcare systems.
Bird Flu Outbreak Linked to Raw Pet Foods Prompts Multiple Recalls Across US
• Multiple pet food companies have issued nationwide recalls after their raw products were linked to H5N1 bird flu infections in domestic cats, with at least three feline fatalities confirmed.
• Health officials confirmed genetic matching between the virus found in contaminated Northwest Naturals and Savage Pet food products and the infected cats, indicating direct food-to-animal transmission.
• Veterinary experts are advising against feeding pets any raw or unpasteurized foods due to increased risks of bird flu transmission, as concerns grow about potential zoonotic spread.
CDC Confirms Concerning Mutations in First Severe U.S. Bird Flu Case
• A Louisiana patient hospitalized with H5N1 avian influenza marks the first severe human case in the United States, with genetic analysis revealing mutations that could enhance the virus's ability to infect human cells.
• The mutations developed during infection and were not present in the backyard poultry that transmitted the virus, suggesting adaptation to the human host rather than widespread circulation in nature.
• Despite 66 other mild H5N1 cases reported across the U.S. since April, primarily among poultry and dairy workers, CDC officials maintain that the risk of person-to-person transmission remains low.
CDC Reports Second Missouri Bird Flu Case Without Animal Exposure as U.S. Total Reaches 67
• The CDC has confirmed a second human H5N1 bird flu case in Missouri with no known exposure to farm animals, raising concerns about potential transmission patterns.
• Nationwide bird flu cases have reached 67, with California reporting 38 cases, mostly linked to infected dairy cows and poultry, though two cases have undetermined exposure sources.
• Public health experts express growing concern as the virus continues to spread in dairy herds across 14 states, with officials emphasizing that certain groups like farm workers remain at higher risk.
ArteraAI Prostate Test Expands Access with California Lab License
• Artera has received a California lab license, broadening access to its ArteraAI Prostate Test for personalized prostate cancer treatment decisions.
• The ArteraAI Prostate Test is the first of its kind to predict therapy benefit and forecast long-term outcomes in localized prostate cancer.
• The test utilizes multimodal artificial intelligence (MMAI) to analyze biopsy images and clinical data, providing insights for tailored treatment.
• This license, along with CAP accreditation, underscores Artera's commitment to quality and patient safety in delivering AI-powered precision medicine.
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