First Death from H5N1 Bird Flu in the U.S. Occurs in Louisiana

The Louisiana Department of Health confirmed on Monday the death of a patient who was the first human case of the H5N1 bird flu virus in both Louisiana and the United States.

The individual, over the age of 65 and with underlying health issues, was reported to have been exposed to the virus through interactions with a non-commercial backyard flock and wild birds.

State health officials conducted a comprehensive public health investigation following the case and found no evidence of another case of H5N1 or signs of human-to-human transmission. This case remains the only human infection with H5N1 in the state.

Despite this incident, the Louisiana Department of Health states that the risk to the general public is low. However, they caution that individuals with occupational or recreational contact with birds, poultry, or cattle may have a higher risk of exposure to the virus.

The H5N1 strain is known to cause severe disease in birds and can lead to serious health problems in humans upon transmission.