MARIN COUNTY, CALIFORNIA – Health officials in Marin County have issued warnings against raw milk consumption after a child was initially suspected to have contracted bird flu from consuming unpasteurized milk.
However, an update on Wednesday brought relief: the child tested negative for bird flu, according to a source close to the investigation.
“The child has recovered, and no other family members became sick, indicating no person-to-person transmission,” Marin County Public Health officials stated in their initial announcement.
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Longstanding Warnings Against Raw Milk
Even before the ongoing bird flu outbreak, health experts have consistently cautioned against the consumption of raw milk. Unlike pasteurized milk, raw milk has not undergone heat treatment to eliminate harmful bacteria and viruses, including bird flu.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights the risks associated with raw milk consumption, which include gastrointestinal distress and, in rare cases, severe illnesses such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, a condition that can lead to paralysis.
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Bird Flu Outbreak in California
California is grappling with a significant bird flu outbreak, with 32 human cases confirmed in the state this year. According to health officials, all but one of these cases were linked to direct exposure to infected livestock.
In response, state health officials recently announced a “broad, voluntary recall” of raw milk and cream products from Raw Farm, LLC, a supplier whose products tested positive for the virus at both retail locations and dairy storage and bottling sites.
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Uncertainty Around Raw Milk and Bird Flu Transmission
While it remains unclear whether bird flu can be directly transmitted to humans through the consumption of raw milk, studies in animals, including cats and mice, suggest the possibility of illness from contaminated raw milk.
This year, the U.S. has reported at least 60 human cases of bird flu, according to the CDC and health officials in Arizona. Most cases have occurred in farm workers exposed to infected livestock, underscoring the occupational risks in the agricultural sector.
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Health Officials Urge Caution
Health authorities continue to advise against the consumption of raw milk and related products, emphasizing the importance of pasteurization in preventing serious health risks.
As the bird flu outbreak continues to impact livestock and pose risks to humans, officials stress vigilance in food safety and adherence to public health recommendations.
