First US Death from H5N1 Bird Flu

January 8, 2025

In January 2025, a Louisiana resident became the first person in the United States to die from the H5N1 bird flu virus. The individual, aged 65, had underlying health conditions and had been hospitalised since mid-December. Health authorities confirmed that the general public’s risk remains low, despite this tragic incident. The Louisiana Department of Health indicated that the patient contracted the virus after exposure to both a non-commercial backyard flock and wild birds. Fortunately, no additional infections or evidence of person-to-person transmission have been reported in the state.

About H5N1 Bird Flu

H5N1 is a subtype of the influenza A virus primarily affecting birds. It can occasionally infect humans, leading to severe respiratory illness. The World Health Organization has documented over 950 global cases, with a mortality rate around 50%. The virus was first identified in 1996, and outbreaks have surged since 2020, impacting various mammal species.

Symptoms of Bird Flu

Bird flu symptoms can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include fever, cough, fatigue, and conjunctivitis. Some patients have reported nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath. In recent U.S. cases, pink eye has been a frequent symptom, often linked to contaminated milk from infected cows.

Transmission of Bird Flu

Humans typically contract bird flu through direct contact with infected animals or their bodily fluids. This includes saliva, respiratory droplets, and faeces. The virus does not spread through properly cooked poultry or eggs. In rare cases, limited human-to-human transmission has occurred, but this has not been documented in the U.S.

Diagnosis and Prevention

Healthcare providers diagnose bird flu using swabs from the throat, nose, or conjunctiva. Tests specifically for H5N1 are not routine; patients must inform their providers of potential exposure. Preventive measures include wearing protective clothing, frequent hand washing, and avoiding contact with sick animals. Public health guidelines should be followed during outbreaks to minimise spread.

H5N1 was first detected in 1996 in Hong Kong.
CDC reported 66 human cases in the U.S. since 2024.
Bird flu can cause conjunctivitis as a primary symptom.
Properly cooked poultry does not transmit the virus.
The virus can mutate to enable human-to-human transmission.

Current Surveillance and Research Efforts

In response to the rising concerns about bird flu, the U.S. government has allocated additional funding for surveillance and research. The recent death has prompted discussions about improving public health responses and ensuring preparedness for potential outbreaks. Scientists are actively working on developing vaccines to combat avian influenza, aiming to mitigate future risks.

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