California declares state of emergency over escalating bird flu outbreak
The United States reported its first severe human case of bird flu on Wednesday, involving a Louisiana resident, as California declared a state of emergency to address the escalating outbreak
The Louisiana patient was hospitalized in critical condition after suspected contact with an infected backyard flock, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The case, confirmed on Dec. 13, is the first in the country linked to severe illness from the avian flu.
“This is the first case of H5N1 bird flu in the U.S. that has been linked to exposure to a backyard flock,” the CDC said in a statement.
As the CDC confirmed the bird flu case, California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on Wednesday, describing it as a precautionary measure to help contain the virus’s spread.
“This proclamation is a targeted action to ensure government agencies have the resources and flexibility they need to respond quickly to this outbreak”
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