First US Backyard Bird Flu Case Confirmed in Louisiana
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced Wednesday the first confirmed case of H5N1 avian influenza in the United States linked to a backyard flock. A Louisiana resident has been hospitalized wiht the severe illness. This marks a notable development, as previous US cases primarily involved poultry workers.
While federal officials declined to release details about the patient’s condition, citing ongoing investigations led by the Louisiana Department of Health, the CDC confirmed the virus strain as D1.1 – the same strain identified in recent human cases in Canada and Washington state, and detected in wild birds and poultry across the US. This is distinct from the B3.13 strain associated with dairy cows and other human cases.
The CDC is conducting further genomic sequencing and continues to investigate the patient’s exposure. although bird flu has caused severe illness and death globally, the CDC emphasizes that no person-to-person transmission has been detected. “This case does not change CDC’s overall assessment of the immediate risk to the public’s health from H5N1 bird flu, which remains low,” the agency stated in a press release.
Since April, the US has reported 61 human cases of H5 bird flu, mostly among those working with poultry or dairy animals.However, this Louisiana case highlights the potential risk to individuals with backyard flocks, hunters, and other bird enthusiasts. The CDC stresses the importance of preventative measures.
“The best way to prevent H5 bird flu is to avoid exposure whenever possible,” the agency advised. “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 (e.g.,in unpasteurized cow milk or ‘raw milk’).”
Dr. [insert Name and Title if available – otherwise remove this sentence] further emphasized the need for caution: “People who work with or have recreational exposure to infected animals are at higher risk of infection, and it’s extremely significant that they follow CDC recommended precautions when around infected or potentially infected animals, a message that we will continue to magnify given recent cases.”
The CDC continues to monitor the situation and urges anyone concerned about potential exposure to contact their healthcare provider and local health officials. The agency’s website provides detailed information on prevention and risk mitigation strategies.
