Avian Flu Hits U.S. Hard: CDC Confirms Severe Case in Louisiana, But Risk Remains Low

CNN reported on Wednesday that the first severe case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) has been identified in the United States.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that a patient with severe avian influenza (AI) has been hospitalized in Louisiana. The patient is believed to have come into contact with sick or dead poultry on their private property.

The CDC clarified that the poultry involved was not from a commercial source, and the general public’s risk of human infection remains low.

However, the CDC did not provide specific details about the patient’s symptoms or condition. Louisiana health officials confirmed that the patient, who is over 65 years old, was suffering from severe respiratory illness linked to H5N1 when admitted to the hospital.

This newly detected D1.1 virus differs from the B3.13 strain previously found in U.S. dairy cows, poultry, and people exposed to it.

The D1.1 strain is similar to viruses reported in recent infections in Canada and Washington State and those historically associated with wild birds and poultry in the U.S. The CDC is conducting further genetic analysis of the virus.

Reuters reported that opposition from some farmers to testing and containment measures has hindered authorities’ efforts to control the spread of the H5N1 virus.

As a result, the virus has spread to hundreds of farms and infected humans, with 61 cases reported since April.

However, all prior cases have shown only mild symptoms, and no human-to-human transmission of avian influenza has been reported.

Despite this, with its high population density, California declared a state of emergency due to the spread of the H5N1 virus. This decision came after the virus affected four dairy farms despite intensive containment efforts.

California Governor Gavin Newsom stated that the emergency declaration is a targeted measure to ensure government agencies have the resources and flexibility to respond quickly to virus outbreaks. He added, “While the risk to the public remains low, we will continue to take all necessary steps to prevent the spread of this virus.”

The CDC emphasizes that the best way to prevent infection is to avoid exposure to sick or dead poultry whenever possible.