Health officials in Marin County, California, recently warned against the consumption of raw milk after a child was suspected of contracting bird flu from it. The child had consumed raw milk, raising concerns about the potential for bird flu transmission through such products. However, the child tested negative for the virus, and no other family members fell ill. The child made a full recovery, indicating no person-to-person transmission occurred.
Despite the initial concern, health experts have long cautioned against drinking raw milk, not just because of bird flu, but due to its potential to harbor other harmful bacteria and viruses. Unlike pasteurized milk, which undergoes a process that kills pathogens, raw milk can lead to various health issues, including gastrointestinal distress. In rare cases, consuming raw milk can cause more severe illnesses, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, a condition that can result in paralysis.
California is facing an ongoing bird flu outbreak, with 32 confirmed human cases reported in the state. The vast majority of these cases were linked to exposure to infected cattle, though one case involved a different source. In response to the ongoing threat, the California Department of Public Health announced a voluntary recall of raw milk and cream products from Raw Farm, LLC, after bird flu was detected at retail and dairy storage sites.
While it is still uncertain whether bird flu can be transmitted to humans through raw milk, studies on animals such as cats and mice suggest that the virus can infect them when they consume contaminated milk. This raises concerns about the potential risks to human health, especially given the broader spread of bird flu among livestock. Authorities continue to monitor the situation, urging caution regarding the consumption of raw milk.
In the United States, there have been at least 60 confirmed human cases of bird flu this year, the majority of which were linked to farm workers who had close contact with infected animals. As the bird flu outbreak continues to evolve, health officials emphasize the importance of avoiding raw milk and other unpasteurized dairy products to reduce the risk of infection.
