"We can’t afford another pandemic PLEASE NO" — Netizens react to California declaring a state of emergency over bird flu

According to a report by Fortune dated December 19, 2024, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency to accelerate the state's response to outbreaks of bird flu also known as H5N1. The emergency was declared on the same day that the first severe human case of bird flu was disclosed in Louisiana in the U.S.

As per the CDC's press release on December 18, 2024, the case of bird flu in Louisiana was confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on December 13, 2024, suspected of contact with infected backyard flock. CDC's report mentioned that there have been a total of 61 reported human cases of the H5 bird flu reported in the United States since April 2024.

Netizens quickly took to X to express their opinions on California declaring a state of emergency over H5N1. Commenting on the same, an X user tweeted:

"We can’t afford another pandemic PLEASE NO😭"

"i dont wanna go into lockdown again," another X user commented.

"we are NOT doing this again i literally refuse," another X user mentioned.

"Lets not do this again please," one netizen said.

"Is this just the beginning of a series of unforeseen crises?" another netizen stated.

Moreover, some internet users commented on how the state was exaggerating by declaring an emergency.

"I think they are overexxagerating," another X user tweeted.

"A state of emergency for 61 cases?" one netizen mentioned.

"Should be taken seriously but state of emergency?" another netizen commented.

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"We will continue to take all necessary steps to prevent the spread of the virus"- the Gov. of California mentions in a statement about bird flu

According to a report by CBS News dated December 18, 2024, Gov. Gavin Newsom commented on declaring a state of emergency over avian flu in California and said:

"This proclamation is a targeted action to ensure government agencies have the resources and flexibility they need to respond quickly to this outbreak."

The Governor also mentioned:

“While the risk to the public remains low, we will continue to take all necessary steps to prevent the spread of the virus,”

The news publication mentioned that to date there have been no recorded cases of person-to-person spread of the H5N1 in California or anywhere else. Additionally, Dr. Michael Payne, a large animal researcher at UC Davis told CBS News that about 600 dairies in California are in quarantine because of the bird flu.

Dr. Payne said that the H5N1 virus has mutated to infect cattle and make them sick, but hasn't killed them. Dr. Payne added that the bird flu infects lactating cows in specific and "the virus can be excreted in concentrations inside the milk", which is what they are worried about from a "public health standpoint."

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CDC recommends ways to prevent bird flu: Details explored

According to the CDC Newsroom report on H5N1, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has suggested that the best way to prevent bird flu is to avoid exposure whenever possible. Infected birds shed avian influenza via their feces, mucous, and saliva while other animals like cows can shed avian influenza via bodily fluids or respiratory secretions.

Another precaution is to avoid contact with dead or sick animals, especially poultry and wild birds. Additionally, it is suggested that one doesn't touch surfaces or materials contaminated with mucous, saliva, or feces from domestic or wild birds or animals with suspected avian influenza A virus infection. Moreover, individuals in close contact with wild or sick birds or dead poultry must wear PPE kits.

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The CDC reported that a periodic case of severe sickness in a person infected with the avian flu is not unexpected, given such cases have occurred in other countries in 2024 as well as in previous years. These cases included instances that led to death.