Health officials in California are investigating a potential case of bird flu (avian influenza) in a child who became ill after consuming raw milk. The case, which originated in Marin County, has sparked renewed discussions about the risks associated with unpasteurized dairy products and the broader implications of bird flu transmission in the United States.
In November, a young child presented at a local emergency department with fever and vomiting shortly after drinking raw milk. Initial tests confirmed the child was infected with influenza A, a virus family that includes strains of bird flu. The raw milk in question was purchased from Raw Farm, a Fresno-based dairy known for its unpasteurized products, according to Niccore Tyler, chief assistant director of Marin County Health and Human Services.
Following this incident, Raw Farm voluntarily recalled several lots of milk and cream after the California Department of Public Health detected bird flu virus in samples of their products. The company has since ceased production, and its herd is under quarantine.
Further testing at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is underway to determine if the child was infected with the H5N1 strain of bird flu. Initial results have been negative for H5 flu, but conclusive findings are still pending. The child has since recovered, and no other family members have fallen ill.
The incident has highlighted the dangers of consuming raw dairy products. Unlike pasteurized milk, which undergoes heat treatment to eliminate harmful pathogens, raw milk can carry dangerous bacteria and viruses, including Listeria, Campylobacter, Salmonella, E. coli, and, as this case demonstrates, the bird flu virus.
California health officials have issued warnings about the consumption of raw milk following the identification of the bird flu virus in Raw Farm products. Public health experts emphasize that while some consumers believe raw milk offers superior taste or health benefits, the risks of consuming unpasteurized products often outweigh these perceived advantages.
Since the spring of 2024, bird flu has been spreading among wild birds, poultry, and, in rare cases, dairy cattle across the United States. Although person-to-person transmission of bird flu remains unconfirmed, scientists are concerned about the virus’s potential to mutate into a form more easily transmissible among humans.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced plans to expand testing of milk intended for pasteurization to monitor the spread of bird flu. As of this year, 58 human cases of bird flu have been confirmed in the United States, with 32 of them occurring in California. Most cases have been linked to farm workers exposed to infected animals.
California health authorities are urging healthcare providers to consider bird flu as a possible diagnosis for patients exhibiting flu-like symptoms particularly those with recent exposure to infected animals or raw dairy products. Symptoms of bird flu in humans include:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Eye redness or conjunctivitis
Additionally, digestive symptoms such as diarrhea and trouble swallowing have been reported in some cases.
While the child in Marin County has recovered, the case underscores the importance of food safety practices and public awareness about zoonotic diseases. It also serves as a reminder of the potential health risks associated with unpasteurized dairy products.
As health officials continue their investigation, the public is encouraged to follow food safety guidelines and remain informed about emerging threats like bird flu. For those seeking raw milk alternatives, experts advise choosing pasteurized options to ensure safety without compromising on nutritional benefits.
