First Severe Bird Flu Case Hits the US — State of Emergency Declared in Another Area

A patient in Louisiana has been hospitalized with the first severe case of H5N1 bird flu in the US linked to a backyard flock, confirmed by the CDC on December 13, 2024. The patient had contact with ill and deceased birds, and genomic analysis linked the virus to the D1.1 genotype, commonly found in US wild birds and recent human cases.

While 61 human cases have been reported across seven states, with 34 in California, the CDC states there’s no evidence of person-to-person transmission and considers public health risk low. However, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency after outbreaks in dairy cows and has implemented extensive monitoring and testing efforts.

Public health measures include avoiding sick or dead animals, wearing protective gear, cooking poultry thoroughly, and monitoring symptoms after exposure. Employers are advised to enhance workplace safety plans to mitigate risks for poultry and livestock workers. These steps aim to contain the spread and protect public health.

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