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- In the last 30 days, California has reported over 300 herds with bird flu and 66 cases in humans.
- Dr. Leana Wen warns that the mortality rate for prior bird flu outbreaks can be as high as 52%.
- Urgent action is needed from the Biden administration for testing and vaccination to combat the rising cases.
In California, there has been a significant increase in bird flu cases among both animals and humans over the past month. More than 300 herds have tested positive for the virus, with 66 confirmed cases of bird flu in humans reported. Health experts express concerns that this may be a significant undercount as testing has not been extensive enough to fully understand the situation. Dr. Leana Wen emphasized the urgent need for increased testing and vaccination efforts in response to the outbreak, advocating for the distribution of vaccines to at-risk populations, including farm workers. The Biden administration is urged to take proactive steps in addressing this health dilemma as past experiences with COVID-19 highlight the need for vigilance in monitoring and combating infectious diseases. Wen pointed out the high mortality rate associated with bird flu, citing the World Health Organization's estimate of 52% for prior outbreaks. The lack of adequate testing, in combination with the potential for unknown cases, raises alarms among health officials who are calling for immediate action to contain the spread of the virus. Public health experts stress the importance of being prepared for any situation, particularly with the upcoming transitions in administration and the unpredictable implications of policy changes regarding health and safety protocols.