International News: United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirms first severe H5N1 Bird Flu case in the U.S.

Posted: Wednesday, December 18, 2024. 1:14 pm CST.

By Zoila Palma Gonzalez: The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed the first severe case of H5N1 bird flu in the United States.

A patient in Louisiana has been hospitalized with the infection, which was linked to exposure to sick and dead birds in backyard flocks.

This is the first U.S. case of H5N1 bird flu associated with backyard poultry.

“While an investigation into the source of the infection in Louisiana is ongoing, it has been determined that the patient had exposure to sick and dead birds in backyard flocks. This is the first case of H5N1 bird flu in the U.S. that has been linked to exposure to a backyard flock. A sporadic case of severe H5N1 bird flu illness in a person is not unexpected; avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection has previously been associated with severe human illness in other countries during 2024 and prior years, including illness resulting in death. No person-to-person spread of H5 bird flu has been detected. This case does not change CDC’s overall assessment of the immediate risk to the public’s health from H5N1 bird flu, which remains low,” the CDC explained.

Since April 2024, there have been 61 reported human cases of H5N1 bird flu in the U.S., with this being the only severe case so far.

The CDC noted that the virus is related to strains found in wild birds and poultry in the U.S., Canada, and Washington state.

No person-to-person transmission has been detected, and the overall risk to public health remains low.

The CDC advises those with exposure to birds, poultry, or other animals to follow precautions, including wearing protective gear and avoiding contact with sick or dead animals.

The CDC said that wild birds can be infected with avian influenza A viruses even if they don’t look sick.

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The post International News: United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirms first severe H5N1 Bird Flu case in the U.S. appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.

Posted: Wednesday, December 18, 2024. 1:14 pm CST. By Zoila Palma Gonzalez: The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed the first
The post International News: United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirms first severe H5N1 Bird Flu case in the U.S. appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.