First Avian Influenza Death Reported in the U.S.

Los Angeles —  the Louisiana Department of Health confirmed the country’s first fatal case of H5N1 avian influenza after the patient was hospitalized with a severe form of the disease.

According to reports, the patient, who was over 65 years old and had underlying health conditions, contracted the H5N1 virus after coming into contact with backyard poultry and wild birds. This remains the only confirmed case of H5N1 avian influenza in Louisiana, and no additional infections or human-to-human transmission have been reported.

Nonetheless, the Department of Health warned that while the current risk to the general public remains low, individuals working closely with birds, poultry, or cattle, as well as those engaging in recreational activities near such animals, are at higher risk. Avoiding close contact with these animals is considered the best preventive measure.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that, as of Monday (Jan. 6), 66 cases of H5N1 avian influenza had been detected in the U.S. since 2024. Globally, more than 950 cases have been reported to the World Health Organization (WHO), with approximately half resulting in fatalities.

The CDC noted that there is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission. An in-depth investigation of the Louisiana case is underway to assess the potential public health risk.

Source:
XinhuaThai