A Louisiana resident over age 65 has died from bird flu, marking the first death from the virus in the United States, state health officials reported on Monday.
The patient, who had underlying medical conditions, contracted the H5N1 virus after exposure to infected backyard poultry and wild birds. The case was first reported by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on December 18.
No additional cases have been identified in Louisiana, and health officials found no evidence of human-to-human transmission. The state health department maintains that the general public health risk remains low.
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The case adds to growing global concerns about avian influenza. The World Health Organization has recorded 888 human cases worldwide between January 2003 and March 2024, with a 52% mortality rate.
Health officials warn that people who work with birds, poultry, or cattle face higher risk of exposure. The Louisiana Department of Health recommends avoiding contact with sick or dead animals and their droppings, and ensuring proper cooking of poultry products.
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