HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — A patient in Louisiana has been hospitalized with a severe H5N1 bird flu infection, marking the first such case in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Friday.
The news comes as Alabama officials and poultry farmers work together to stem the spread of the disease after confirmed cases were reported in Cullman and Pickens counties.
The Louisiana patient was exposed to sick and dead birds in a backyard flock, health officials said. This represents the first U.S. case linked to a backyard bird population among 61 reported human H5 bird flu cases since April 2024.
"The demonstrated potential for this virus to cause severe illness in people continues to highlight the importance of the Joint Coordinated US Federal Response, the One Health Response, to address the current animal outbreaks in dairy cows and poultry and limit the potential of transmission of this virus to humans through animal contact," Dr. Demetre Daskalakis said in a call with journalists Wednesday morning.
Daskalakis is the Director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the CDC.
He said the Louisiana patient likely contracted the disease from sick or dead birds on their property.
Daskalakis noted that cases involving severe affects on a person have show a death rate as high as 50 percent globally.
Despite the severe illness, CDC maintains that the immediate public health risk remains low. No person-to-person transmission has been detected.
Health officials emphasized precautions for individuals with potential animal exposure. Recommended preventive measures include avoiding contact with sick or dead animals, wearing personal protective equipment when near potentially infected birds, and avoiding contaminated surfaces.
"This case underscores the importance of careful interaction with wild and domestic birds," a CDC spokesperson said.
The agency continues to investigate the infection's source and monitor potential spread.
People are advised to exercise caution around wild birds, poultry, and other animals, particularly those appearing ill or deceased.