H5 Bird Flu: First US Death Reported
- A Louisiana resident with severe avian influenza A(H5N1) illness,commonly known as "H5N1 bird flu," has died,according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Since 2022, there have been 67 confirmed human cases of H5N1 bird flu in the United States, with 66 of those cases occurring since 2024.
- The CDC is carefully studying available data and maintains that the risk to the general public remains low.
The frist U.S.death from H5N1 bird flu, a primary_keyword of concern, has been reported in Louisiana. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the tragic event, linked to a severe avian influenza A(H5N1) infection. While this marks a grave milestone, the CDC emphasizes that the secondary_keyword risk to the general public remains low, with no human-to-human transmission detected. the agency is actively monitoring the situation, conducting surveillance, and providing prevention resources for those at higher risk.Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports over 950 cases.News directory 3 keeps you in the loop with the latest health updates. Discover what’s next as scientists continue studying the virus.
First H5N1 Bird Flu Death Reported in the United States
Updated January 6,2025
A Louisiana resident with severe avian influenza A(H5N1) illness,commonly known as “H5N1 bird flu,” has died,according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While the death is tragic, the CDC noted that such an outcome was not unexpected, given the potential for severe illness and death associated with these viruses. This marks the first death in the U.S. attributed to an H5 infection.
Since 2022, there have been 67 confirmed human cases of H5N1 bird flu in the United States, with 66 of those cases occurring since 2024. Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported over 950 cases, with approximately half resulting in death.
The CDC is carefully studying available data and maintains that the risk to the general public remains low. No person-to-person transmission has been identified. Most H5 bird flu infections are linked to animal-to-human exposures. The agency also stated that there are no concerning virologic changes actively spreading in wild birds, poultry, or cows that woudl elevate the risk to human health. People with occupational or recreational exposure to infected animals face a higher risk.
The CDC offers prevention resources for those at higher risk.
The CDC continues to:
- Support epidemiologic investigations with state and local partners.
- Work with partners to conduct active surveillance for H5 cases.
- Monitor for changes suggesting the virus is adapting to mammals.
- Monitor for viral changes affecting the effectiveness of antiviral medications and candidate vaccines.