Louisiana reports 1st U.S. human death related to H5N1 avian flu
The recent death of a U.S. patient hospitalized with H5N1 bird flu has sent shockwaves through the country. The Louisiana Department of Health confirmed the tragic news on Monday, marking the first death from the virus in the United States.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 70 people in the U.S. have been infected with bird flu since April. Most of these cases have been among livestock workers who were exposed to sick chickens or dairy cattle.
The patient in Louisiana, who was the first person in the country to be hospitalized with H5N1 bird flu, reportedly contracted the virus after coming into contact with sick and dead chickens and wild birds in a backyard flock. State health officials revealed that the individual was over 65 years old and had underlying medical conditions. The patient was hospitalized on December 18, 2024, but no details were provided about when the death occurred.
Despite the concerning nature of the outbreak, there is currently no evidence of person-to-person transmission of the virus. This is a crucial factor in determining the pandemic potential of a flu virus.
In a statement, the CDC confirmed that the Louisiana individual was the first person to die from H5 bird flu in the U.S. The agency emphasized that the risk to the general public remains low and that there have been no reports of person-to-person transmission.
Genetic analysis conducted by U.S. officials revealed that the bird flu virus had mutated while inside the Louisiana patient. These mutations may have increased the virus’s ability to attach to cells in the upper respiratory tract. A similar genetic mutation was found in a teenager in British Columbia who had been in critical care but no longer requires supplemental oxygen.
Most of the bird flu cases in the U.S. have been mild, with symptoms such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) reported in many patients. However, health officials caution that individuals who work with birds, poultry, or cows, as well as those who have recreational exposure to them, are at higher risk of contracting the virus.
Dr. Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, highlighted the severity of the virus, noting that it can cause severe disease and death in certain cases. Gail Hansen, a veterinary and public health consultant, emphasized the importance of taking bird flu seriously as a public health issue.
The recent death of the Louisiana patient serves as a wake-up call for public health officials and the general public alike. It underscores the importance of monitoring and addressing the spread of bird flu to prevent further casualties and protect public health.
