The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the first human death in the United States linked to the H5N1 avian flu. A Louisiana resident, who was over 65 years old and had underlying health conditions, succumbed to the virus after exposure to a backyard poultry flock. This marks a significant development in the ongoing battle against bird flu, which continues to affect various states across the nation. Bird flu infections have been detected in 16 states, with both commercial and backyard poultry populations impacted since last year.
Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, has been a persistent threat in the United States. Initially discovered in cattle last year, the virus has spread to wild birds and continues to pose challenges for public health officials. Most infections are attributed to animal-to-human transmission, raising concerns about the potential risk for humans, especially those in close proximity to infected birds.
The recent fatality highlights the severity of H5N1 infections. Despite this tragic incident, the CDC maintains that the overall risk to the general public remains low.
"While tragic, a death from H5N1 bird flu in the United States is not unexpected because of the known potential for infection with these viruses to cause severe illness and death" – CDC
Globally, the World Health Organization has logged 939 human cases of bird flu since 2003, resulting in 464 fatalities. Most of these cases and deaths occurred before 2015. However, last year alone saw three human deaths attributed to bird flu worldwide. In response to rising concerns, California declared a public health emergency in December to manage outbreaks effectively.
In the United States, there have been 66 confirmed cases of bird flu over the past year, reflecting the virus's continued presence and potential threat. The CDC is closely monitoring the situation and assessing measures to protect public health.
"CDC has carefully studied the available information about the person who died in Louisiana and continues to assess that the risk to the general public remains low" – CDC
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