NEW YORK — The first bird flu death in the United States was reported in Louisiana, where a person was hospitalized due to severe respiratory symptoms.
Louisiana health officials confirmed the death on Monday.
According to health officials, the individual was over the age of 65, had underlying medical conditions, and had come into contact with sick and dead birds in a backyard flock.
They also stated that a genetic analysis revealed that the bird flu virus had mutated inside the patient, potentially contributing to the more severe illness.
They have provided a few additional details about the individual.
Since March, 66 confirmed bird flu infections have been reported in the United States, but previous illnesses have been mild, with the majority occurring among farmworkers exposed to sick poultry or dairy cows.
In two cases, an adult in Missouri and a child in California, health officials have not determined how they contracted it.
The source of the Louisiana person’s infection was not a mystery. However, it was the first human case in the United States linked to backyard bird exposure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Louisiana officials say they are unaware of any additional cases in their state, and US officials say they have no evidence that the virus is spreading from person to person.
The H5N1 bird flu has spread rapidly among wild birds, poultry, cattle, and other animals. Its increasing presence in the environment increases the likelihood that people will be exposed and potentially infected, according to officials.
Officials continue to urge people who come into contact with sick or dead birds to take precautions, such as wearing respiratory and eye protection, as well as gloves when handling poultry.
