A patient from Louisiana has become the first person to die from bird flu (H5N1) in the United States, according to state health officials. The individual was over 65 years old and had underlying medical conditions. They contracted the virus after being exposed to a backyard flock and wild birds.
Experts say there is no indication that the virus is spreading between people, but it’s essential for everyone to be vigilant when interacting with sick animals. Dr. Diego Diel, a virologist at Cornell University, notes that while the risk remains low, caution is necessary.
Recent research has identified potential mutations in the H5N1 virus that could make it more transmissible. One of these mutations was found in a 13-year-old Canadian girl who recovered from hospitalization with respiratory support.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reported over 66 human cases of H5N1 infection in the US, mostly among people working on farms with infected cattle or poultry. Most cases have had mild symptoms, but experts warn that this could be a sign of the virus adapting to spread more easily among humans.
As the nation faces a severe flu season, concerns about the bird flu outbreak are growing. The CDC has warned against drinking raw milk, which may contain high levels of the virus.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/06/health/bird-flu-death-louisiana.html