California Reports Two New Human H5N1 Cases as Dairy Herd Infections Climb to Nearly 1000 Nationwide

This is Bird Flu Bulletin: Daily H5N1 Update from Quiet Please. Today is Saturday, October 18, 2025. Top stories today: First, California health officials have confirmed two new human H5N1 cases, both in dairy workers exposed on affected Central Valley farms. These latest cases bring California’s total to 38 human infections since April 2024, the highest of any state. According to the California Department of Public Health, all infected workers have reported only mild symptoms. None have required hospitalization, continuing the trend of relatively mild illness among those directly exposed to infected cattle according to CDC and state health authorities. Second, the spread among animals continues. The California Department of Food and Agriculture states that 11 new dairy herds in the state have tested positive for H5N1 over the past month, raising the total to 749 infected herds statewide since the outbreak began. Nationwide, the USDA now reports nearly 1,000 confirmed infected dairy herds across 17 states. This ongoing animal-to-human transmission risk remains a central concern for both state and federal partners as they step up surveillance and response efforts. Third, an outbreak in southern California retail poultry was detected yesterday by the state’s veterinary laboratory system. The Los Angeles County flock is now under quarantine with ongoing investigation into the source, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Officials emphasize poultry and dairy products remain safe to consume when properly cooked, but anyone who works with live or potentially infected animals is urged to take strict precautions. Tracking case numbers: Compared to yesterday’s data, there are two additional human H5N1 cases, raising the national total to 70 confirmed infections since April 2024. Of these, 41 cases are linked to dairy herds, 24 to poultry farms, with the rest related to other exposures or unknown sources. No evidence of human-to-human transmission has been found to date according to the CDC. Updated guidance and statements: The CDC continues to assess the risk to the general public as low but advises anyone exposed to sick or dead poultry, dairy cows, or their environments to use full personal protective equipment, including N95 masks, eye shielding, and gloves. The public is reminded that food safety protocols and personal hygiene continue to be the most effective defenses against infection. More information and updates are now included in the CDC’s routine influenza briefings. Expert interview: We spoke earlier today with Dr. Elena Torres, a veterinary epidemiologist with the USDA. She shared, “Our focus is on rapid detection and isolating any new animal cases. Continuing surveillance, strict hygiene, and use of protective gear are the top priorities. So far, there’s no sign this virus is spreading between humans, but vigilance is crucial.” Looking ahead: Tomorrow, we expect the CDC and USDA to release updated natio This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.