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Louisiana Resident Hospitalized with H5N1 bird Flu
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A Louisiana patient is hospitalized with a severe case of H5N1 avian influenza, marking the first instance of severe illness linked to this virus in the U.S. this year. The patient had exposure to sick and dead birds in a backyard flock.
A patient in Louisiana has been hospitalized with a severe case of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus, commonly known as “H5N1 bird flu.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this is the first instance of severe illness linked to the virus reported in the United States this year. The case was confirmed on Friday, december 13.
The CDC reports that as April 2024, there have been 61 reported human cases of H5 bird flu in the United States.
According to preliminary data, the virus belongs to the D1.1 genotype, similar to viruses found in wild birds and poultry in the United states, and also recent human cases in British columbia, Canada, and Washington state. This genotype differs from the B3.13 genotype found in dairy cows and some poultry outbreaks in the United States. The CDC is conducting further genomic sequencing.
The investigation into the source of infection in Louisiana is ongoing, but authorities have confirmed that the patient had exposure to sick and dead birds in a backyard flock. This marks the first case of H5N1 bird flu in the U.S. linked to this type of exposure.
The CDC emphasizes that while sporadic cases of severe H5N1 bird flu illness in people are not unexpected, no person-to-person spread of H5 bird flu has been detected. The agency maintains that the overall risk to the public’s health from H5N1 bird flu remains low.
The CDC recommends that people with work or recreational exposures to infected animals should follow recommended precautions when around animals that are infected or perhaps infected with H5N1 avian influenza virus. This includes backyard flock owners, hunters, and other bird enthusiasts.
The best way to prevent H5 bird flu is to avoid exposure whenever possible. Infected birds shed avian influenza A viruses in their saliva, mucous, and feces. Other infected animals may shed avian influenza A viruses in respiratory secretions and other bodily fluids, such as unpasteurized cow milk.
- Avoid contact with sick or dead animals, especially wild birds and poultry.
- Wear recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) if you have direct/close contact with wild birds or sick or dead poultry or other animals.
- Avoid touching surfaces or materials contaminated with saliva, mucous, or animal feces from wild or domestic birds or other animals with confirmed or suspected avian influenza A virus infection.
For more information on H5 bird flu in the U.S. and the CDC’s response,visit the H5 Bird Flu: Current Situation page.
The agency maintains that the overall risk to the public’s health from H5N1 bird flu remains low.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is H5N1 bird flu?
- H5N1 bird flu is a type of avian influenza virus that can cause severe illness in birds and,in rare cases,can infect humans.
- How do humans get infected with H5N1 bird flu?
- human infections with H5N1 bird flu are rare and typically occur through direct contact with infected birds or contaminated environments.
- What are the symptoms of H5N1 bird flu in humans?
- Symptoms of H5N1 bird flu in humans can range from mild flu-like symptoms to severe respiratory illness, pneumonia, and even death.
- How can I protect myself from H5N1 bird flu?
- The best way to protect yourself from H5N1 bird flu is to avoid contact with sick or dead birds, practice good hygiene, and follow recommended precautions when handling poultry or other potentially infected animals.
- Is there a vaccine for H5N1 bird flu?
- there are vaccines available for H5N1 bird flu, but they are typically reserved for individuals at high risk of exposure, such as poultry workers and healthcare professionals.
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