Bird Flu After Drinking Raw Milk

A possible case of H5N1 bird flu virus in a California child has been linked to raw milk consumption and is under investigation by state health officials and the CDC. The patient experienced fever and vomiting after drinking raw milk and has since recovered, according to an announcement by Marin County Public Health Officials said that the risk to the public remains low, as there was no evidence of person-to person transmission between the child and her family members.

The case stands out for being outside the usual farm work setting. Since March, at least 58 people in the U.S. have been reportedly infected with bird flu, mostly poultry and dairy farm workers who became mildly ill after close contact with infected animals. California alone accounts for 32 confirmed cases of bird flu this year.