San Francisco records first presumptive case of bird flu in child

SAN FRANCISCO -  A presumptive case of H5N1 bird flu has been identified in a child who resides in San Francisco, health officials announced on Friday.

According to the San Francisco Department of Public Health, the child experienced symptoms of fever and conjunctivitis but did not need to be hospitalized and has since fully recovered.

Local health leaders said the risk to the public remains low as there is currently no evidence of person-to-person transmission.

"We will continue to investigate this presumptive case, and I am urging all San Franciscans to avoid direct contact with sick or dead birds, especially wild birds and poultry. Also, please avoid unpasteurized dairy products," said Dr. Grant Colfax, Director of Health.

The department is encouraging people to avoid direct contact with sick or dead birds, especially wild birds and poultry. Wild birds can be infected with bird flu even if they do not look sick.

Public health officials said the child initially tested for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV based on symptoms and tested positive for influenza A. The child's specimen was also tested for H5N1.

It's unclear how the child contracted the virus.