First U.S. death from bird flu reported in Louisiana

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) confirmed on January 6, 2025, the first U.S. death linked to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1, also known as bird flu. The victim, a Louisiana resident over 65 with underlying medical conditions, contracted the virus after exposure to non-commercial backyard poultry and wild birds.

This tragic event marks the first human death in the United States due to H5N1. However, the Louisiana Department of Health emphasised that no additional H5N1 cases in the state and no evidence of person-to-person transmission. The public’s risk of contracting the virus remains low.

While the overall risk is low, LDH noted that individuals working with birds, poultry, or livestock, or with recreational exposure to them, are at a higher risk of infection. The department strongly recommended avoiding direct contact with wild birds or infected animals. It’s crucial to avoid touching sick or dead animals and their droppings. LDH advised cooking poultry, eggs, and other animal products to the proper temperature to kill viruses. They cautioned against consuming raw or unpasteurised animal products like milk or cheeses from suspected or confirmed infected animals.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expressed sorrow at the Louisiana death but reassured the public that such cases were expected due to H5N1 infections. As of January 6, 2025, there have been 66 confirmed human cases of H5N1 in the United States since 2024 and 67 since 2022. Globally, over 950 cases have been reported to the World Health Organisation, with roughly half resulting in death.

The CDC stated that while the Louisiana death is tragic, it is not surprising, as H5N1 infections are linked to animal-to-human exposure. No person-to-person transmission has been identified, and there is no evidence the virus is becoming more transmissible between humans. The CDC continues to monitor the situation, conducting active surveillance for H5N1 and investigating potential changes to assess public health risks.

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