The United States has recorded its first human death from H5N1 bird flu, the Louisiana Department of Health announced on Monday, confirming the patient contracted the virus through exposure to a backyard flock and wild birds.
The deceased, aged over 65, had been hospitalized with a respiratory ailment in mid-December. This marks the first serious case of human infection with the H5N1 virus in the U.S., raising concerns about the potential spread of the virus.
Despite the fatality, health officials emphasized that the public health risk remains low. “There has been no evidence of human-to-human transmission,” the department stated, adding that people who work with birds, poultry, or cows, or have recreational exposure to them, face a higher risk.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) described the death as tragic but reassured the public, saying, “There are no concerning virologic changes actively spreading in wild birds, poultry, or cows that would increase the risk to human health.”
Globally, experts warn that the high circulation of the virus in mammals could lead to mutations, potentially increasing the risk of human-to-human transmission. While cases like this remain rare, the Louisiana incident has sparked renewed vigilance to prevent a potential bird flu pandemic.
Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging caution for individuals handling birds or livestock and recommending protective measures to limit exposure.
[…] a statement, the Pentagon expressed gratitude to Oman and other international partners for supporting efforts to responsibly […]