US has first paediatric case of H5 avian influenza

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed a human infection with the A H5N1 virus in a child in California. The young patient, who exhibited only mild symptoms and received antiviral influenza medication, is recovering from the disease. An investigation by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) into the potential source of the child’s exposure to H5N1 is currently underway. As part of this investigative process, all of the child’s family members have been asked to report any symptoms they may have experienced, and samples have also been collected from them, according to information provided by the federal agency. This case was identified via influenza testing and subsequently communicated to the CDPH via the National Influenza Surveillance System. Thus far, no instances of person-to-person transmission have been identified among the reported cases of H5N1 avian influenza in the United States, as stated by the CDC.