SONOMA, CA – AUGUST 16: USGS Biologist Science Tech Brooke Hill (R) and wetlands biologist Leonard Liu (L) examine a Western Sandpiper as they test it for the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza August 16, 2006 in Sonoma, California. Officials from the USGS are beginning to test migratory birds arriving from Alaska as part of a multi-million dollar nationwide effort to detect the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in migratory birds. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Health officials in California are investigating a possible third human case of bird flu, the California Department of Public Health announced Saturday.
The case was identified as an individual who had contact with infected dairy cattle in the Central Valley.
It's unknown if the person is linked or made contact with the other two cases confirmed Thursday. All three people were in contact with animals at three different farms.
Samples of the possible third case have been sent to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention for further confirmation, according to California public health officials.
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The third possible case experienced symptoms similar mild symptoms to the other cases which include conjunctivitis. All three parties have not been hospitalized.
Public health officials also assure that pasteurized milk and dairy products are safe to consume as pasteurization inactivates the bird flu virus.
Risk remains low for the general public but those who work with farm animals are recommended they wear personal protective equipment or PPE, such as N95 masks, face shields, goggles and gloves, the public health department said.
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