Louisiana Public Health Department reported that the United States has experienced its first human death caused by bird flu.
The patient was 65 years old and contracted bird flu from wild birds as well as a backyard flock. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this person was the country’s first severe case of bird flu.
Health officials stated in the release that “the patient reported to have underlying conditions”.
The Department extends its sincerest condolences as the family and friends of the patient mourn the death of their loved ones. This will be the last update on the patient due to respect for family and patient confidentiality,” LDPH said in its statement.
Lousiana Department of Public Health reports that this is the only case of a Pelican State infected with the disease.
What is H51N bird flu or avian influenza?
In the United States, an outbreak of bird influenza first appeared in dairy cows and poultry. Bird flu can be contracted by humans when they handle infected animals or eat the meat of sick animals.
Symptoms include
- Respiratory symptoms
- Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis
Since April last year, the CDC has confirmed 66 cases. The first severe case was detected in Louisiana on December 13. The CDC has not reported any cases of person-to-person transmission.
