Thirteen years after her Alzheimer’s diagnosis, a California woman is more vibrant than ever — and she has just embarked on a walk across America to showcase the power of action in healthy aging.

Judy Benjamin, PhD, now 80 years old, set off on Saturday, April 5, on a 3,000-mile journey across the country. 

Over five months, she will walk from San Diego, California, to St. Augustine, Florida.

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"People wonder why would I put myself through this," Benjamin said during an on-camera interview with Fox News Digital the evening before her walk began. "I really want to share with others not to be discouraged." (See the video at the top of this piece.) 

"Life is here to enjoy, and age is a number, but you don't have to be identified and characterized by that number."

Benjamin was 67 when she first learned of her early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. 

It wasn’t a surprise, as she comes from a long line of relatives who were affected by that form of dementia. Her mother, one of 13 children, was 63 when she was diagnosed, and nine of her uncles also got it.

"So obviously it was very scary for me," Benjamin said during an on-camera interview with Fox News Digital the evening before her walk began. 

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After her mother passed away, Benjamin — who had a high-pressure job at the time — started getting symptoms.

"I was working overseas and started to get really worried because I couldn't remember things — even my own phone number or locker combination," she recalled. "I got lost driving, when I'm always really good about direction."

Benjamin also started to struggle to remember her grandchildren’s names, and even had trouble reading a newspaper article.

"I knew that it was going downhill really quickly, and I was extremely depressed and distressed about that," she recalled.

Brain scans showed that Benjamin had a lot of amyloid plaque, as well as some damage to the right and left parietal areas of her brain. 

"I started to get really panicked," she said.

A close friend recommended a doctor in California, Dr. Dale Bredesen, who was doing some innovative research on treating Alzheimer's.

"He explained his theory that Alzheimer's is not caused by one thing — it’s a number of different assaults on the brain, which causes it to become inflamed," she said. "And he said it was different for everybody. Some people are more affected by some things than others."

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Bredesen worked with Benjamin to help her reduce the inflammation through a number of steps.

"So I wrote down what he recommended, and I flew back home and I started implementing it to the letter — I changed my whole lifestyle," she shared.

Some of those lifestyle changes involved optimizing her sleep, ensuring healthy indoor air, incorporating meditation to reduce stress and starting an exercise routine.  

"I also totally changed my diet," Benjamin shared. "I stopped drinking diet soda, stopped eating sugar, and started eating more whole foods and natural foods — like vegetables and fruit."

"It’s super important to follow all of the instructions to do what you need to do, and not be casual about it."

Gradually, she said, things started to change. 

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"It wasn’t overnight; it’s not a magic bullet," she said. "But I realized one day that I could remember my grandchildren's names again."

After seeing firsthand the positive effects of her new lifestyle, Benjamin felt compelled to help others. She ultimately became a national board-certified health and wellness coach, specializing in brain health and neurology.

Benjamin said she has been doing longer walks to prepare for her 3,000-mile walk.

"I think there's really no way to train for a 3,000-mile walk, except walk as much as you can," she said. "I think walking is the most natural thing that a human being can do. I mean, we were born to walk."

"I just have to be careful to keep hydrated."

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Benjamin will be joined on her cross-country walk by a "great support team" as well as a film crew who will gather footage for an upcoming documentary.

"I do have an RV with a very comfortable bed, shower and cooking facilities," she said. "Whenever possible, if there's a nice hotel or motel, we'll stop, but in the long, remote stretches, we'll be sleeping in the RV."

She is also supported by several wellness sponsors, including Apollo Health and CareScout, a provider of long-term care and aging solutions. 

The goal is to shoot for 20 miles per day, depending on the weather and terrain.

"I will plan on stopping one day a week to rest my body, maybe take a sauna or just kick back," she said.

"It's pretty much me as an individual, but I am encouraging people to come and join me and walk with me."

Today, at 80, Benjamin said she feels younger than she did before her Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

"I'm very energetic and healthy — I have great flexibility and I do have confidence that I will continue to be healthy," she told Fox News Digital. 

That said, she added, life is "kind of like a crapshoot."

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"Anything can happen — I'm very aware of that, but all my numbers are great. My blood work, my bone studies, everything is in such good shape that I'm not really worried. I don't spend much time on the negative."

Benjamin hopes that her walk will serve as motivation for others to embrace healthier, more active lifestyles for better brain function.

"When I received my diagnosis, I had a choice — I could let it define me, or I could take action," she said. 

"I want people to see that, no matter your age or circumstances, there are steps you can take to live a healthier, more vibrant life. This walk is about proving that possibility."

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People can follow Benjamin’s journey at Judywalks.com, @judywalksamerica on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube; and on CareScout’s Facebook or LinkedIn pages.

Love Talks initiative addressed critical social issues, including sexual health and intimate partner violence, offering both informative and inspiring insights, counselling and testing

View the full post Sandals Team hosts Love Talks on NOW Grenada.

High cholesterol has long gotten a bad rap for causing poor heart health — but a new study suggests that the low-carb ketogenic diet may not be linked to cardiovascular disease.

The study, led by The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in collaboration with researchers across multiple institutes, assessed 100 participants following a long-term keto diet who developed elevated levels of LDL cholesterol (known as the "bad" type).

Other than the elevated cholesterol, all participants were "metabolically healthy" and had followed the key diet for an average of five years, according to an April 7 press release.

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They all qualified as LMHR (lean mass hyper-responder), which indicates people who adopt a carbohydrate-restricted diet and experience a significant rise in cholesterol.

Using advanced cardiac imaging, the researchers found that traditional cholesterol markers (ApoB and LDL-C) were not associated with changes in plaque levels in the heart’s arteries or with baseline heart disease over a one-year period.

Instead, existing plaque levels seemed to be a better predictor of future plaque accumulation.

"This population of people — metabolically healthy with elevated LDL due to being in ketosis — are not automatically at increased cardiac risk simply because their LDL is elevated," Bret Scher, MD, medical director of Baszucki Group, which provided funding for the study, told Fox News Digital.

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"Therefore, we should likely shift away from LDL and ApoB and toward vascular imaging with CAC or CTA for better risk prediction and informing how or if to treat someone's cardiac risk factors," added the California-based doctor.

The study findings were published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Advances.

Previous studies have also shown that people qualifying as LMHR have similar levels of coronary plaque to otherwise comparable groups that have normal LDL levels, "underscoring that ketogenic diet-induced LDL increases may not indicate a higher risk of coronary plaque," the researcher said.

Dr. Nick Norwitz, a study leader and independent researcher at the University of Oxford, noted that this is the first study to isolate very high LDL and ApoB as risk factors for heart disease. 

"All other human studies have included populations with metabolic dysfunction or individuals with congenital genetic causes of high LDL," he told Fox News Digital.

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The results seem to contradict what most clinicians would have predicted and what doctors are taught in medical training, according to Norwitz. 

"While these data do not prove the conventional understanding is ‘wrong,’ per se, they do suggest the conventional model has a large blind spot."

According to Norwitz, cardiac imaging, including a CAC score, has "far more value" than cholesterol levels in predicting plaque progression.

"Thus, CAC scores can be used to risk-stratify patients and help individualize care," he told Fox News Digital.

Scher noted that "ketogenic therapy" can be effective in treating certain metabolic-related conditions, but some people are afraid of continuing a keto diet because of their cholesterol. 

"This study provides support that they do not necessarily need to stop the diet or treat their cholesterol — rather, they can work with their healthcare team for a more individualized and appropriate cardiac workup," he advised.

Dr. Ken Berry, a family physician and diabetes specialist in Tennessee, was not involved in the research but shared his thoughts on what he described as a "groundbreaking" study.

"The study found no association between LDL-C, ApoB and progression of coronary plaque over one year using high-resolution CT angiography," he said to Fox News Digital.

"Instead, the strongest predictor of plaque progression was pre-existing plaque, not cholesterol levels — leading researchers to conclude that ‘plaque begets plaque, ApoB does not.’"

This is the first prospective trial of its kind in a unique population often labeled ‘high-risk’ by traditional guidelines, Berry said, raising important questions about how cardiovascular risk is assessed in the context of low-carb, high-fat diets.

"The obvious implication is that if very high ApoB levels is not a good predictor of heart attack risk in this specific group of people, then is it a good predictor in any group of people?" he said.

"Or is it, as I suspect, just the latest popular lab test being used to scare people away from eating a proper human diet rich in saturated fat?"

Dr. Bradley Serwer, a cardiologist and chief medical officer at VitalSolution, a Cincinnati-based company that offers cardiovascular and anesthesiology services to hospitals nationwide, reviewed the study and pointed out some potential limitations.

"The study’s limited scope, involving a low-risk population over a short duration, renders it challenging to generalize findings to a broader, more vulnerable population," Serwer told Fox News Digital.

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"While the study’s objective was to propose a hypothesis regarding dietary cholesterol’s role, it does not provide definitive evidence for or against its significance."

The cardiologist does, however, agree with the authors’ conclusions that "improved risk stratification tools" are essential for identifying individuals at higher risk of coronary artery disease.

"As physicians, our primary responsibility lies in evaluating each patient on an individual basis and collaborating with them through shared decision-making to develop the most appropriate long-term care plan," he added.

Michelle Routhenstein, a New York City registered dietitian who specializes in heart disease, noted that plaque formation is a multistep process that can take years to progress.

"The environment of the artery needs to be conducive to plaque formation," Routhenstein, who was not part of the study, told Fox News Digital. 

"For example, individuals with high blood pressure, a subgroup that was excluded from the study, are more prone to endothelial damage that can cause apoB to deposit more readily in the artery wall."

"If someone already has plaque in the arteries and sustains an elevated level of LDL and apoB, then it can develop into more plaque, as seen in this study."

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"However, if someone is metabolically healthy, has no plaque at baseline, and has elevated apoB and LDL levels alone, then the environment may not necessarily cause plaque to form over a one-year period."

Routhenstein pointed to prior research showing that high LDL and apoB over years of someone’s life, typically coupled with inflammation, insulin resistance and/or oxidative stress, can increase the risk of plaque development.

"It is important to note that many people who are implementing a ketogenic diet and are ignoring high LDL and apoB levels typically do not know they have soft plaque brewing," she added.

"Therefore, advising them to ignore LDL and apoB levels can be harmful — especially in a world where heart disease is so prevalent and remains the leading cause of death globally."

Scher said he hopes that more researchers will become inspired to further this study and apply it to different populations. 

"But for now, I hope doctors will embrace this research and treat this specific population of people differently from the rest of their patients, understanding the unique physiologic state of ketosis and the metabolic benefits it provides," he said.

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In addition to more studies assessing risk in this population, Norwitz said the team hopes to further investigate the mechanisms of the lean mass hyper-responder (LMHR) phenotype.

"This is a remarkable group of humans demonstrating remarkable physiology," he added.

Clearing one’s throat is a common reflex to remove mucus and irritants — particularly during allergy season.

But for some, it can become a habit that's hard to break, which can lead to stress and anxiety.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, laryngologist Dr. Inna Husain shared the causes of chronic throat clearing, as well as when to see a specialist and how to kick the habit.

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When people clear their throats, it actually slams the vocal folds together, which over time can cause lesions, nodules, bruising and hemorrhages that affect the voice, according to Husain, who works at Powers Health in Munster, Indiana.

"Those same vocal cords are used to help create sound — so if you keep slamming them, you could injure the surface area of the vocal cords," she said.

One cause of throat clearing is laryngeal pharyngeal reflux (LPR), or "silent reflux." This condition occurs when stomach contents come up into the throat, which causes inflammation without the typical heartburn symptoms.

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While LPM is not life-threatening, the main concern is its impact on quality of life, according to Husain.

"Along with the sensory changes that happen from chronic trauma, [it can] make the throat more sensitive," she noted. "Over time, people clear their throat more because they've reduced the threshold to trigger a throat-clearing."

Affected parties can then get stuck in a cycle where they clear their throats to remove irritation or mucus, which then creates more irritation and mucus.

"It takes less and less irritation and mucus to make you want to throat-clear, so that's another reason we want to try to stop it, because that can affect quality of life as well," Husain added.

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Other causes of throat irritation (and subsequent clearing) include allergies, inflammation from conditions like sinusitis, vocal cord issues, aging, asthma, tracheal narrowing and some medications.

"As we age, our vocal folds thin. That can cause an inefficient system, which can cause more sensitivity and throat clearing," said Husain.

Husain's patients often come in complaining of other symptoms, or because their family members have noticed an uptick in their throat-clearing, she shared.

Many people assume allergies are the culprit, but standalone throat clearing is rarely the only symptom, according to the doctor.

"I've actually seen throat-clearing irritation get worse when people start allergy pills or antihistamines without actually having an allergy," she cautioned.

The first step in solving the issue is determining the root cause. That typically starts with an ear, nose and throat (ENT) exam, where the doctor uses a flexible camera to examine the lining, tissue and vocal cords.

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"We try to identify if there's a root cause, if there's something very obvious," said Husain. 

"For example, in people who chronically throat-clear, I've found things like nasal polyps and sinusitis. And then we would go down the regimen of treating that root cause."

In cases where the root cause is unclear, the doctor also looks at laryngeal hygiene in general, asking, "Is there a source of inflammation? Can we make the larynx or the voice box happier?"

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Studies have shown that it helps to hydrate the vocal folds, where most of the irritation originates. Staying hydrated and limiting the source of irritation is one way to begin changing the behavior, Husain advised.

Additional tips to lessen irritation and inflammation include avoiding smoking, limiting acidic foods and using saline nebulizers.

Alternate behaviors to throat-clearing, like swallowing, humming, sipping water or blowing air, can help the components of the throat begin to heal, according to the doctor.

"Over time, that helps the larynx reset itself," she added.

More than 200 cruise ship passengers were infected with norovirus on a transatlantic voyage that is currently still at sea.

The illnesses occurred on the Cunard cruise line ship Queen Mary 2, which departed Southampton in the U.K. on March 8.

The ship traveled to New York and to several islands in the Eastern Caribbean, according to Cunard’s website.

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Out of the total 2,538 passengers, 224 became ill with the virus. Seventeen crew members were also affected, as stated in an alert from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Diarrhea and vomiting were the primary symptoms reported. All sick passengers have been isolated, the announcement noted.

The ship is expected to return to Southampton on Sunday, April 6.

Cunard has increased its cleaning and disinfection procedures in response to the outbreak, according to the CDC.

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The cruise line has also collected stool specimens from sick passengers for testing. 

"VSP (Vessel Sanitation Program) is remotely monitoring the situation, including review of the ship's outbreak response and sanitation procedures," the CDC stated.

Norovirus, also known as food poisoning or the stomach bug, is a highly contagious virus that causes inflammation of the stomach or intestines, per the CDC.

"Norovirus, also known as Norwalk-like virus, is a leading cause of gastroenteritis in the U.S.," Dr. Amber Charoen, a board-certified gastroenterologist with Gastro Health in Kennewick, Washington, previously told Fox News Digital.

"It can spread with as few as 10 particles through contaminated food, vomit, stool and even person-to-person contact."

The highly contagious virus can also spread via contaminated surfaces, utensils or foods.

"The combination of indoor spaces, close contact and crowding is why norovirus thrives in environments like schools, day cares and cruise ships," Chad D. Neilsen, MPH, director of Infection Prevention and Control at Nemours Children's Health in Florida, previously told Fox News Digital.

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"Once an outbreak starts, it’s challenging to control it without public health and sanitation expertise."

While it is often referred to as a "stomach flu" or "stomach bug," norovirus is not related to influenza.

"Symptoms of norovirus vary, but those infected tend to have a mix of low-grade fever, chills, vomiting, headache, muscle aches and fatigue," Baum said. 

"In addition, norovirus outbreaks typically produce nausea (more often in children), watery diarrhea (more often in adults) and stomach cramps."

There is no specific medicine to treat norovirus, according to Baum. 

Nielsen previously shared with Fox News Digital that norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illnesses in the U.S., causing about 20 million cases each year.

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Norovirus is responsible for about 109,000 hospitalizations and 900 deaths each year in the U.S., mostly affecting adults over 65 years old, according to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID).

About one in 15 Americans will get norovirus annually, and one out of 160 children will be hospitalized.

The best defense against norovirus is to wash hands frequently, identify symptoms early and isolate if sick, according to Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health and Fox News senior medical analyst.

The CDC also recommends washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly and washing laundry in hot water, if possible.

"There is no treatment except to stay well-hydrated," he told Fox News Digital. "[It] generally lasts around three days."

Neilsen agreed that most people will recover from norovirus in one to three days without any treatment, but others could experience more severe symptoms like dehydration, which "could require medical attention."

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The CDC recommends drinking plenty of liquids to prevent dehydration and to seek medical care if it becomes severe.

Fox News Digital reached out to Cunard requesting additional comment.

As spring breakers this season continue to head south into warmer territory, mosquitoes are posing a health risk that calls for extra attention.

Global cases of dengue fever are on the rise, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — and it's warning of an uptick in U.S. travelers.

The agency released a Health Alert Network advisory on March 18 noting that dengue activity and transmission "remain high" in some parts of the U.S. and globally, including the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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"Spring and summer travel coincide with the peak season for dengue in many countries, increasing the risk of both travel-associated and locally acquired cases in the United States," the CDC wrote.

The CDC has marked dengue fever as a level 1 health alert, urging the public to "practice usual precautions."

This includes avoiding mosquito bites by using an EPA-registered insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors, and sleeping in a room that has air conditioning or screened windows.

Many countries have reported a "higher-than-usual" number of dengue cases in 2024 and 2025, the CDC noted.

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The following countries have also reported higher-than-expected numbers of dengue cases among American travelers returning to U.S. soil: Brazil, Burkina Faso, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Iran, Mexico, Pakistan, Panama, Philippines, Saint Lucia and Sudan.

Dengue fever is a virus spread through bites from an infected mosquito. 

It is common in the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Islands, among other countries, according to the CDC.

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In 2024, more than 13 million cases were reported in North, Central and South America, as well as in the Caribbean.

Local transmission of these outbreaks was reported in California, Texas and Florida last year.

Typical symptoms include aches and pains (in the eyes, muscles, joints, or bones), nausea, vomiting and rash — usually experienced within two weeks of being bitten.

Most people experience symptoms for two to seven days before recovering.

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"It’s typically a more mild illness, but can be severe, causing headaches, joint pain, fever, abdominal pain and even death," Dr. Mark Fischer, regional medical director of International SOS, a leading medical and security services company, previously told Fox News Digital. 

There is not currently any medication to treat dengue, according to the CDC. 

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Infected people are advised to rest, take acetaminophen for pain and fever, stay hydrated and see a doctor.

There is a vaccine available for U.S. children between 9 and 16 years of age who have previously tested positive for dengue and are living in areas where the infection is common.

Fox News Digital’s Melissa Rudy contributed reporting.

A ripped NYPD detective who is becoming a social media sensation for his grueling nightly workouts wants to inspire police across the nation to get in shape.

Eddie Barrett, 35, known as "50Cal" to his hundreds of thousands of followers, recently told Fox News Digital he has never taken a day off from training in 21 years — and said there are no excuses for his colleagues to not be physically fit in the line of duty. (See the video at the top of this article.)

The married father wants his daily vlogs to show police officers that they can juggle work and family life while also making time for the gym.

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On his workdays, Barrett wakes up at midnight and heads outside for an ice bath. 

He then drives an hour to the Bronx, where he works with the NYPD's warrant department, a highly specialized unit that rounds up dangerous criminals wanted for serious crimes.

But before Barrett punches in, the 6'1" detective hits the gym to pump iron and pound the treadmill.

He then works his regular police shift — from around 3:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. — before driving home, spending quality time with his family and typically getting to sleep no later than 8 p.m.

On weekends, Barrett gets up at around 3 a.m. and hits the ice bath before working out at his purpose-built home gym so he can free up the rest of the day for time with his family.

And if he’s on vacation, as he was recently in the Cayman Islands, Barrett will pound the sandy beaches in the dead of night with a torchlight strapped to his head — and that’s before his gym session.

"Getting my training in is of utmost priority — my wife thinks I'm crazy, people think I'm crazy, but I've been doing this for 21 years," Barrett told Fox News Digital. 

"And it not only sets the standard for the day, especially first thing in the morning, but it's just become who I am. It's just me. No matter where I am, what time I gotta wake up, or whatever I have going on — I will train."

Barrett uploads daily videos of his morning routine and workouts to social media, offering words of motivation to his loyal followers.

His goal is to inspire others — police in particular — to get in shape so they can be faster and stronger.

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"If [a suspect] wants to run or wants to fight, they will lose, because you’ve trained hard to be at a higher level than them," Barrett told Fox News Digital. "We’ve got to constantly work for that, because that can decide whether we go home safe or if we get hurt or God forbid something worse happens."

Said Barrett recently on Instagram in a video that shows him doing sprints before work, "Think you can run from the warrant squad? Think again."

Barrett said he recommends hybrid training, a fitness approach that involves integrating strength training with cardiovascular exercises. 

The detective often mixes extremely heavy weight-lifting with long or short runs, as well as high-intensity workouts. 

While Barrett said he doesn't expect other first responders to mimic his stringent routine, he emphasizes the importance of finding the time to be fit for duty. He noted that some police agencies are lowering fitness standards to help plug recruitment gaps.

"You want to have an appearance and a level of confidence in your fitness that demands respect and that always plays in your favor," Barrett added.

Getting out of bed early is less complicated than people think, according to Barrett.

"Some days are harder than others, right? You just can't give yourself a second option ever," he said. "We know what we have to do in life. And life is very short. The days fly by."

He added, "We have to be the best versions of ourselves, and there's so much to accomplish in life … And if you don't give yourself that second option, there is no snooze button. There is no scrolling on social media."

The detective does some "mind tricks" in the morning to help him get up, like counting down from three or saying a short prayer.

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"Get your mind going. It makes you think. It makes your brain function. You get that cool plunge. You do things that are difficult first thing in the morning, and before you know it, you're rocking and rolling," Barrett said.

Barrett said his goal is to have a lifelong career on the force, following in the footsteps of his late grandfather, who served as a police officer in New Jersey.

Today, Barrett proudly wears his grandfather’s police badge as a necklace.

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During the interview, Barrett’s young son, Henry, noted that he also wants to follow the family’s policing tradition.

"I feel like I live the best life. I really love my life and I tell people even in today's crazy climate … being a cop is a great job," Det. Barrett said. "I encourage everybody that's thinking about it: Go for it."

The detective said his strict fitness discipline is what helps him balance his training, work and family life, as well as his own supplements business.

While he wants to sustain his fitness level for as long as possible, Barrett emphasized that family always comes first, and that he cherishes the support he gets from his wife and his father, who lives with them.

"The memories we gather with our families are the most important things in the world," Barrett said. "And recently, I've come to accept that business might not grow as fast, my fitness might not get to the level I want it to, because I would never sacrifice my time with my family."

Barrett urged others, not just law enforcement members, to develop their own core principles and continue to work hard every day.

"There's so much out there for the taking in life, and if you don't get out there and do it, life is just going to pass us all by," he added.

"You're going to be amazed at what you can accomplish."

President Irfaan Ali on Saturday announced that efforts were underway to get children to spend less time on their mobile phones and electronic devices and instead engage in more sports and physical activity to promote a healthier lifestyle. “Even if we have to put free WiFi in the park to get the children out of ...

As of Oct. 14, the state has had six confirmed and five possible human cases of bird flu, according to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).

All of the affected individuals reportedly had direct contact with infected cattle at nine dairy farms, the department stated. 

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The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is conducting tests to confirm the five possible cases.

All the individuals experienced "mild symptoms," including eye redness or discharge (conjunctivitis), the CDPH stated. None were hospitalized. 

There is not a concern at this point about human-to-human transmission, according to the agency.

"Given the amount of exposure to infected cows, evidence continues to suggest only animal-to-human spread of the virus in California," said the CDPH statement. 

"Additionally, based on CDC’s genomic sequencing of three California bird flu cases, there is no evidence to suggest an increased ability for the virus to infect or spread between people and no known reduced susceptibility to antiviral medications."

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As of Oct. 15, there were a total of 20 confirmed human cases of bird flu in the U.S., according to the CDC.

Colorado and California have had the most cases, with others reported in Michigan, Missouri and Texas, the same source stated.

Roughly half of those were linked to exposure to infected cattle and the other half to infected poultry. 

"To a large extent, the higher numbers we are seeing in California, and previously in Colorado, are due to more aggressive monitoring and case finding efforts in those states, rather than necessarily reflecting a larger burden of disease," Shira Doron, M.D., chief infection control officer at Tufts Medicine Health System in Boston, told Fox News Digital.

"California has one of the more comprehensive programs to find avian influenza in its cattle herds, and when they find sick cows, they monitor exposed farm workers," she went on.

"The disease has been mostly very mild, so it will only be detected if looked for."

It’s not known whether the strain that is causing avian flu in cows will ever mutate into a strain that can be spread from human to human, according to Doron.

"Right now, with no evidence of human-to-human spread, it does not have the potential to become a human pandemic, but that could change," she told Fox News Digital.

"Obviously, scientists and public health officials should be concerned, and should take action to limit the spread of this disease in farm animals."

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Farm owners and farm workers should also be concerned, she said.

"They should be taking measures to protect those who work closely with animals, especially cows and chickens," Doron advised.

Sam Scarpino, PhD, director of AI and life sciences at Northeastern University in Boston, said he finds the rising number of human H5N1 cases "concerning."

"The more spillovers to humans, the more chances there are for the wrong variant to find itself in a person and spark an epidemic," he told Fox News Digital.

There's currently no evidence, however, that the virus has mutated to become more infectious in humans, Scarpino said.

"Most likely, we are seeing the impact of an increasing number of infected dairy farms leading to an increasing number of human infections," he said.

"California also has active efforts for both human and dairy cattle surveillance, so ascertainment may be higher than in other states."

Although experts say the risk for human-to-human transmission remains low, they recommend certain public health precautions. 

"People who have close contact with animals, particularly farm animals and wild birds, should be taking precautions," Doron advised. 

CDC, WEBMD GIVE UPDATE ON CURRENT BIRD FLU OUTBREAK

The CDC also recommends that farm workers wear personal protective equipment — such as gloves, goggles and face shields — and that farms follow guidance to prevent the spread of the virus between animals.

"Even if a large outbreak isn't sparked, the risk to farm workers is clearly higher, and we need to ensure they are protected," Scarpino told Fox News Digital.

"At this point, there's no excuse for a farm worker to die from an H5N1 infection."

It’s also important for people to get their seasonal flu shot, experts say.

"While it is not likely to protect against avian flu, it will help people avoid being infected with the seasonal and avian strain at the same time, which can lead to genetic mixing and emergence of a pandemic strain," said Doron.

Getting the flu vaccine also makes it less likely that someone will end up with a suspected case of avian flu as a result of having the seasonal flu and a history of animal exposure, she added.

Vaccines for bird flu are currently in development.

"It is not time to vaccinate more broadly yet, given the small number of cases, absence of proven human-to-human transmission and mostly mild infection," said Doron.

It is important for tests to be commercially available for avian flu, however.

"Seasonal flu cases will be rising soon, and we will need to distinguish quickly between regular flu and avian flu, especially in animal workers," Doron noted.

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"Right now, to test for avian flu, specimens have to go to special public health labs and the results take days to return. We are going to need answers more quickly if we want people to be able to properly isolate and prevent spread."

The CDPH recommends that California residents monitor for bird flu symptoms for 10 days after exposure.

Those include eye redness (conjunctivitis), sore throat, cough, runny or stuffy nose, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle or body aches, fatigue, headaches, trouble breathing and fever.

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"If they start to feel sick, they should immediately isolate, notify their local public health department, and work with public health and health care providers to get timely testing and treatment," the agency advises on its website.

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