A individual in Louisiana who was hospitalized due to severe respiratory symptoms was the first person in the United States to die from bird flu.
The death was confirmed Monday by Louisiana health officials.
According to health officials, the individual was over 65, had preexisting medical issues, and had come into contact with dead and ill birds from a backyard flock. Additionally, they stated that a genetic research had revealed that the patient may have had a more severe disease as a result of a mutation in the bird flu virus.
A few more details about the individual have been made public.
Although there have been 66 confirmed cases of bird flu in the United States since March, the majority of these cases have been found in farmworkers who have been around sick poultry or dairy cows. Health experts are unsure of how they contracted it in two cases: one involving a toddler in California and one involving an adult in Missouri.
After consuming uncooked frozen pet food that had avian flu, a house cat in Washington County passed away.
On Christmas Eve, the state sent out a notice on the voluntary recall of Northwest Naturals’ two-pound feline turkey recipe by Portland-based Morasch Meats.
It was not thought to be a mystery where the Louisiana person’s sickness came from. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it was the first human case in the United States connected to exposure to backyard birds.
U.S. officials have stated that they have no proof that the virus is spreading from person to person, and Louisiana officials say they are not aware of any additional cases in their state.
Among wild birds, chickens, cows, and other animals, the H5N1 bird flu has been spreading extensively. According to officials, people are more likely to be exposed to it and maybe contract it as a result of its increasing environmental prevalence.
Officials are still advising anyone who comes into touch with sick or dead animals to take measures, such as handling poultry with gloves and protective eye and respiratory gear.
— The Associated Press’ Mike Stobbe
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