CDC Confirms First Severe Case of H5N1 Bird Flu in the United States
www.cdc.gov
December 18, 2024-- A patient has been hospitalized with a severe case of avian influenza A(H5N1)

Summary

The CDC confirmed the first severe U.S. case of H5N1 bird flu in Louisiana, linked to exposure to sick and dead birds in a backyard flock.

This marks the first backyard flock-related case in the U.S., though 61 human cases of H5 bird flu have been reported since April 2024.

The virus belongs to the D1.1 genotype, found in wild birds and recent cases in Canada and the U.S.

There is no evidence of person-to-person spread, and public health risk remains low. The CDC advises precautions for those exposed to infected animals.

  • Waffle@infosec.pubEnglish
    7·
    14 hours ago

    I find it interesting that this was transmitted from a backyard flock. I have 5 chickens in my back yard and I don’t really see other birds get close to them - not to say it doesn’t happen. Anyways, looking forward to getting severely ill from this.