Louisiana health officials confirmed the first human death in the U.S. from bird flu on Monday, though they reassured the public that the risk remains low. The patient, a person over 65 years old, had been hospitalized since mid-December and was diagnosed with H5N1, the virus responsible for the death, marking the first serious human case of this infection in the country.
The Louisiana Department of Health stated the individual contracted the virus after exposure to backyard poultry and wild birds. There have been no further cases or evidence of the virus spreading between people. Since the start of 2024, the U.S. has recorded 66 human infections, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been closely monitoring the virus.
Despite concerns about the virus mutating into a more easily transmissible form, experts stress that the overall risk to the public is still low, with those working closely with birds or livestock at a higher risk. The federal government recently announced a $306 million initiative to bolster H5N1 surveillance, but some critics feel more proactive measures are needed.
Globally, the World Health Organization has reported over 950 human cases of bird flu since 2003, with the highest numbers in China and Vietnam. While the virus has proven deadly, experts are closely watching for any mutations that could lead to a larger outbreak, calling for increased preventive efforts to avoid a bigger public health crisis.
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