California confirms third human case of bird flu, finds more possible cases Reuters

CHICAGO (Reuters) – California on Wednesday reported a third human case of bird flu in a person who had contact with infected dairy cattle and said it had identified two more possible cases in humans.

The confirmation brings US bird flu infections among people exposed to dairy cows and poultry to 16 this year. Another person in Missouri who had no known immediate contact with the animals also tested positive.

There is no known link or contact between any of the confirmed or possible cases in California, suggesting the virus is spreading from animals to humans in the state and not person-to-person, the California Department of Public Health said.

The outbreak of the virus in cattle in 14 states and infections in farm workers have scientists and federal officials worried about the risks to humans.

California expects to confirm additional cases in people who have contact with infected dairy cattle, the public health department said. Last week it reported two human cases in people who had contact with dairy cattle infected with the virus.

All the people had contact with animals at various farms and experienced mild symptoms, including red eyes or discharge, the department said. None were said to have been hospitalized.