A severe case of bird flu has been confirmed in the US, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing outbreak. The patient, a Louisiana resident over 65 with underlying medical conditions, is hospitalized with severe respiratory illness and is in critical condition.
This is the first time transmission has been traced back to exposure to sick and dead birds in backyard flocks. California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency due to rising infections among dairy herds and people. In Los Angeles, two cats have died after consuming raw milk contaminated with bird flu.
While the CDC initially stated that the public health risk is low, with only mild illness reported by 61 people so far, severe cases are now a reality. The H5N1 virus has always had the capacity to cause severe illness in individuals. As more animals and humans are exposed, the likelihood of a severe case increases.
The recent hospitalization of an infected teenager in British Columbia serves as a reminder that not every human case will be mild. This new development highlights the need for increased vigilance and caution to prevent further transmission of bird flu.
Source: https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2024/12/america-bird-flu-severe-case/681115