California confirms fourth human case of bird flu, by Reuters

CHICAGO (Reuters) – California confirmed a fourth case of bird flu on Thursday in a person who came into contact with infected dairy cattle.

Nationally, 18 people this year have tested positive for the virus, which has been confirmed in dairy herds in 14 states. All but one person was known to be exposed to diseased cattle or birds.

The four people who tested positive in California, the most populous US state, were exposed to infected cows on four separate farms, the California Department of Public Health said.

The department added that it had been notified of two other possible human cases.

People who tested positive in California experienced mild symptoms, including red eyes or discharge, and were not hospitalized, the department said.