California confirms third human case of bird flu, identifies more possible cases

CHICAGO, Illinois - California reported a third human case of bird flu on Wednesday in a person who had contact with infected dairy cattle and said it identified two more possible cases in people.

The confirmation brings U.S. bird flu infections among people exposed to dairy cows and poultry to 16 this year. Another person in Missouri who had no immediate known contact with animals also tested positive.

There is no known link or contact between any of California's confirmed or possible cases, suggesting the virus spread from animals to humans in the state and not from person to person, the California Department of Public Health said.

The virus' jump to cattle in 14 states and infections of farm workers have worried scientists and federal officials about the risks to humans.

California expects to confirm additional cases in people who have contact with infected dairy cattle, the public health department said. Last week it reported two human cases in people who had contact with dairy cattle infected by the virus.

All of the people had contact with animals at different farms and experienced mild symptoms, including eye redness or discharge, the department said. It said none have been hospitalized. — Reuters