The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a tragic death due to avian influenza A(H5N1), also known as “H5N1 bird flu”. This is the first person in the United States to die from an H5 infection. With 66 confirmed cases since 2024, the CDC notes that the risk to the general public remains low.
According to the CDC, most H5 bird flu infections are related to animal-to-human exposures, such as job-related or recreational contacts with infected birds or animals. The organization is taking steps to monitor for potential changes in the virus and assess its public health impact.
The CDC is working closely with state and local partners to conduct active surveillance for H5 cases, support critical epidemiologic investigations, and monitor for any viral changes that could make these viruses less responsive to flu antiviral medications or the available candidate vaccine viruses. More information about H5 bird flu can be found on the CDC website.
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Source: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2025/m0106-h5-birdflu-death.html