On Nov. 19, 2024, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) reported it has identified a possible bird flu case in a child in Alameda County who was tested for mild upper respiratory symptoms. The child, who has been treated, is recovering at home. They child had no known contact with an infected animal, but public health experts are investigating a possible exposure to wild birds.

The CDPH is working with local public health officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to investigate the cause of the initial positive test in the child. The positive test showed a low-level detection of the virus, indicating the child was not likely infectious to others. Repeat bird flu testing on the child four days later was negative, and additional testing shows the child was also positive for respiratory viruses that could be the cause of their cold and flu symptoms. The test specimens were sent to CDC for confirmatory testing.

Family members were also confirmed to have the same, more common respiratory viruses as the child. They are also being treated with preventive medication. Public health officials are aware that the child attended daycare with mild symptoms before the child’s test was reported as a possible bird flu infection. Local public health officials have reached out to potentially exposed caregivers and families to conduct health checks for symptoms and offer connections to preventive treatment and testing if they develop symptoms.