The Louisiana Department of Health has reported the first human death in the U.S. linked to the severe bird flu virus, known as avian influenza A (H5N1), amid rising concerns over increasing bird flu cases across the nation.
In a press release issued on Monday, the Louisiana Department of Health stated, “The patient hospitalized with the first human case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or H5N1, in both Louisiana and the U.S. has passed away.”
The department revealed that the individual, whose identity has not been disclosed, was over 65 years of age and had “underlying medical conditions.” Exposure to the bird flu virus occurred after coming into contact with a “non-commercial backyard flock and wild birds.”
In the same press release, the Louisiana Department of Health noted that an “extensive public health investigation” found no proof of the bird flu virus spreading from person to person. They also confirmed that this deceased patient is the only recorded human case of the virus in Louisiana at this time.
“While the current public health risk for the general population remains low, individuals who work with birds, poultry, or livestock, or who have recreational interactions with them, are considered at higher risk,” the Louisiana Department of Health indicated.
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The department advised that the best way to protect against the bird flu virus is to avoid exposure sources, including direct contact with wild birds and animals infected with the virus.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also released a statement on Monday addressing the first U.S. human death from the bird flu virus, expressing their “sadness” regarding Louisiana’s report of the individual “hospitalized with severe avian influenza A” who had unfortunately died.
“While tragic, a death from H5N1 bird flu in the United States is not unexpected due to the known potential of these viruses to lead to severe illness and fatalities,” the CDC stated. “As of January 6, 2025, a total of 66 confirmed human cases of H5N1 bird flu have been recorded in the U.S. since 2024 and 67 since 2022.”
The CDC also pointed out that over 950 cases of the bird flu virus had been reported to the World Health Organization, with nearly half resulting in death.
“The CDC has thoroughly reviewed the available information regarding the individual who died in Louisiana and maintains that the risk to the general public continues to be low,” the CDC emphasized. “Most importantly, no person-to-person transmission has been detected. Similar to the case in Louisiana, the majority of H5 bird flu infections are tied to animal-to-human exposures.”
