The Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed a troubling development: a patient over 65 years old has died from the H5N1 bird flu, marking the first reported human death from this virus in the United States. The individual, who had prior health issues, was hospitalised after exposure to backyard chickens and wild birds on 18 December 2023.
The Ongoing Bird Flu Situation
Since April 2023, nearly 70 human cases of bird flu have been documented in the US, primarily among farmworkers. The general public, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), faces a low risk of contracting the virus.
- Nearly 130 million poultry — both domestic and wild — have died due to the ongoing outbreak.
- 917 dairy herds have also been affected.
- The H5N1 strain found in the Louisiana case belongs to the D1.1 genotype, which has been observed in wild avian populations.
Global Context and Health Experts’ Views
Globally, more than 950 human cases of H5N1 have been reported, with roughly half resulting in fatalities. Experts warn that while the recent US cases have largely been mild, the potential for severe illness remains a concern. Epidemiologist Jennifer Nuzzo commented, “This is a tragic reminder of what experts have been screaming for months… H5N1 is a deadly virus.”
Gail Hansen, a public health consultant, remarked, “If that’s what it takes, hopefully that will make people look at bird flu a little more carefully.”
Precautions and Expert Recommendations
While experts urge vigilance and recommend that those working with birds and livestock remain cautious, they also call for the government to take further action to prepare for potential escalations. Notably, Rick Bright, a former US health official, has advocated for better transparency from the Department of Agriculture concerning bird flu infections in animals.
As the Biden administration faces pressure to address these health threats, recommendations include:
- Releasing comprehensive data on infections.
- Encouraging the development of rapid home tests.
- Monitoring wastewater for signs of the virus.
As we look towards the future, the consensus is clear — keeping an eye on H5N1 is essential. Authorities and experts alike are taking steps to ensure public health remains the top priority.