More information on the potential bird flu case in Marin county.

The child went to the emergency room with fever and vomiting after drinking raw milk (sigh).

The child was positive for influenza A. The standard flu test can trigger positive from H5N1, but can't distinguish it. So that could be either seasonal influenza or H5N1. They are both subtypes of influenza A.

The CDC has testing that can differentiate if it is H5N1, so we will have to wait for further confirmation.

Research with mice found that raw milk can transmit H5N1 when ingested. So it is a potential vector for infection in humans. Pasteurized milk is safe.

I really can't believe people are still drinking raw milk in 2024, let alone amidst an avian flu outbreak in dairy cows. And giving it to children!

Look, I'm a live and let live person, but children can't fully appreciate the risks of raw milk. They are especially at risk from pathogens in raw milk. Kids get hospitalized every year from drinking it. It can be really dangerous for them.