California investigating possible human case of bird flu, state says

CHICAGO (Reuters) -California is investigating a possible case of bird flu in a person who had contact with infected dairy cattle, the state’s public health department said on Thursday.

The spread of the virus to cattle in 14 states and infections of 13 dairy and poultry farm workers this year have concerned scientists and federal officials about the risks to humans from further spread.

Cows at dairy farms in California, the top U.S. milk-producing state, began testing positive for bird flu in late August.

The person with the possible case had mild symptoms, the California Department of Public Health said.

(Reporting by Tom PolansekEditing by Chris Reese and Bill Berkrot)