Health

U.S. Records First Human Death from H5N1 Bird Flu

Published

1 day ago

Jan 7, 2025.

The US as recorded its first death linked to H5N1
They said the diease was contacted from close exposure to wild birds
Says the Disease is still being monitored for mutations

The United States has recorded its first human fatality linked to the H5N1 bird flu virus, health authorities in Louisiana confirmed on Monday.

The patient, a Louisiana resident over the age of 65 with underlying medical conditions, had been hospitalized for a respiratory illness and was the first serious case of human infection with the virus in the country.

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Health officials disclosed that the patient contracted the virus after exposure to a mix of wild birds and a non-commercial backyard flock. Despite the tragic outcome, the Louisiana Department of Health emphasized that the overall public health risk remains “low” and that there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission in this case.

“While the general public is not at significant risk, individuals who work closely with birds, poultry, or livestock, or who have recreational exposure to such environments, should exercise caution,” the department warned.

Genetic analysis revealed that the strain of H5N1 that infected the patient differed from versions detected in dairy herds and poultry farms across the United States, indicating that the virus’s mutation patterns remain under close scrutiny.

The announcement follows heightened global concerns about the H5N1 virus, which has increasingly affected bird populations and mammal species since 2020.

Experts warn that sustained circulation in mammals could lead to mutations making the virus more transmissible among humans, a scenario that could spark a global health crisis.

H5N1 bird flu was first identified in 1996, but outbreaks among bird flocks have surged in recent years, prompting intensified surveillance worldwide.

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Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely, urging those in high-risk occupations to adopt protective measures.

Public health agencies also stress the importance of prompt reporting and containment efforts to prevent further escalation.