The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) today (Dec. 13) announced the detection of the state’s first presumptive positive human case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1, or bird flu.
Patient Information: A resident of southwestern Louisiana has been hospitalized following exposure to sick and dead birds suspected of carrying H5N1.
Context: This case is one of approximately 60 recorded in the U.S., with most linked to infected poultry or dairy cattle.
Public Health Response: The LDH is working with the CDC to investigate the case, emphasizing that no human-to-human transmission of the virus has occurred in the U.S.
Risk Assessment: The CDC considers the risk to the public low but advises vigilance for those exposed to infected animals.