The Louisiana Department of Health announced on Friday the first presumptive positive human case of H5N1 bird flu in the state. The patient, a resident of southwestern Louisiana, is currently hospitalized. Health officials are collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to investigate the case. Preliminary findings suggest the individual had contact with sick and dead birds suspected to be infected with H5N1.
H5N1 is a highly contagious influenza virus that causes severe respiratory illness in birds. Since 2022, the United States has experienced ongoing outbreaks of H5N1 among wild birds and poultry.
As of December 13, 60 confirmed human cases of H5N1 have been reported nationwide, primarily linked to direct exposure to infected poultry or dairy cows. Despite these cases, there has been no evidence of person-to-person transmission of H5N1 in the United States.
This case highlights the importance of avoiding contact with sick or dead birds and reporting unusual bird deaths to local authorities. Public health officials continue to monitor the situation closely to prevent further infections and assess any potential risks to human health.
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