The Louisiana Department of Health announced that a patient previously hospitalized with severe H5N1 avian flu has died, becoming the US’ 67th reported human case since 2024. The infected individual was over 65 and had underlying health conditions, likely acquired from contact with backyard poultry and wild birds.
US officials are concerned about two distinct genotypes of the virus, one of which is spread by migrating wild birds and has caused severe infections in humans and animals. So far, no further related cases have been found.
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed additional H5N1 avian flu outbreaks in poultry across five states, including commercial farms in California, Delaware, Michigan, and others. These outbreaks pose a threat to domestic and wild cat populations as well.
APHIS reported new detections of the virus in backyard flocks and dairy cattle, primarily in California and Idaho. Notably, there have been about 30 more H5N1 mammal detections, mostly in cat species, including domestic cats, wild cats, and exotic captive animals.
The US has seen a significant increase in avian flu cases, with most being mild infections from the genotype circulating in dairy herds. The reported deaths highlight the importance of awareness and precautions to mitigate the spread of the virus.
Source: https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/avian-influenza-bird-flu/us-reports-first-fatal-h5n1-infection-avian-flu-strikes-more-poultry-cats