CDC confirms first serious case of H5N1 bird flu in the United States

December 18, 2024–A patient was hospitalized with a serious case of infection with the avian influenza A(H5N1) virus (“H5N1 bird flu”) in Louisiana. This is the first case of serious illness linked to the virus in the United States. The case was confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday, December 13. Since April 2024, a total of 61 human cases of H5 avian influenza have been reported in the United States.

Partial data on the viral genome of the H5N1 avian influenza virus that infected the patient in Louisiana indicate that the virus belongs to the D1.1 genotype related to other D1.1 viruses recently detected in wild birds and poultry in the United States and in recent human cases. in British Columbia, Canada and Washington State. This H5N1 avian influenza genotype is different from the B3.13 genotype detected in dairy cows, sporadic human cases in several states, and some outbreaks in poultry in the United States. Additional genomic sequencing and efforts to isolate the virus from clinical samples from the patient in Louisiana are underway at CDC.

While an investigation into the source of the infection in Louisiana is underway, it was determined that the patient had been exposed to sick and dead birds in backyard flocks. This is the first case of H5N1 avian influenza in the United States linked to exposure to a backyard flock. A sporadic case of severe H5N1 avian influenza in a person is not unexpected; Infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) virus has already been associated with serious human illness in other countries in 2024 and earlier years, including illness leading to death. No person-to-person spread of H5 avian influenza has been detected. This case does not change the CDC's overall assessment of the immediate public health risk from H5N1 avian influenza, which remains low.

This case highlights that in addition to affected commercial poultry and dairy operations, wild birds and backyard flocks can also be a source of exposure. People exposed, at work or recreationally, to infected animals are at higher risk of infection and should follow CDC-recommended precautions when around animals infected or potentially infected with the virus of H5N1 avian flu. This means that owners of backyard flocks, hunters and other bird enthusiasts should also take precautions.

The best way to prevent H5 bird flu is to avoid exposure as much as possible. Infected birds shed the avian influenza A virus in their saliva, mucous membranes and droppings. Other infected animals may shed avian influenza A virus in their respiratory secretions and other bodily fluids (for example, in unpasteurized cow's milk or “raw milk”).

As a general precaution, where possible, people should avoid contact with sick or dead animals, especially wild birds and poultry. For people in direct/close contact with sick or dead wild birds, poultry, or other animals, wear recommended personal protective equipment (PPE). Wild birds can be infected with the avian influenza A virus even if they do not appear ill. Do not touch surfaces or materials (e.g., bedding or bedding material) contaminated with saliva, mucus, or animal feces from wild or domestic birds or other animals with confirmed or suspected infection by the avian influenza A virus.

For more information about H5 Avian Influenza in the United States and the CDC's response, including regularly updated case counts, visit H5 Avian Influenza: Current Status.

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