A patient in Louisiana has been hospitalized with a severe case of H5N1 bird flu, marking the first time a serious human illness linked to this virus has been reported in the United States. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the confirmation on Wednesday.
What Is H5N1 Bird Flu?
H5N1, commonly called bird flu, is a virus that mainly affects birds but can sometimes infect humans. While rare, severe cases in humans have been reported in other parts of the world. In some instances, this virus has caused death.
How Did This Happen?
According to the CDC, the virus in this case belongs to the D1.1 genotype. This type of bird flu has been recently found in wild birds and poultry across the United States and in humans in places like British Columbia, Canada, and Washington state.
This D1.1 genotype is different from the B3.13 genotype, which has caused infections in dairy cows, other humans, and poultry outbreaks in several U.S. states.
Is This Dangerous for Others?
The CDC reassures the public that the risk of bird flu spreading widely among people remains low. However, they continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure it stays under control.
Bird Flu in the U.S.
Since April, there have been 61 reported human cases of H5 bird flu in the United States. While most have been mild or asymptomatic, this is the first severe case needing hospitalization.
What’s Next?
Health experts are studying the virus to understand its behavior and to prevent further cases. They urge people who handle birds, especially in the poultry industry, to take precautions like wearing gloves and masks and to report any unusual symptoms immediately.
The CDC continues to keep the public informed about the situation and advises against panic, as they believe the overall risk to the general population is still very low.
