First Death from H5N1 Bird Flu Confirmed in U.S.

BATON ROUGE, LA — Louisiana’s Department of Health confirmed the first death from H5N1 bird flu in the United States on Monday, Jan 6.

The patient with the virus was over 65 years old and was hospitalized with serious symptoms. The CDC stated the patient passed away after being exposed to infected birds on their property but did not specify what kind of bird it was.

This is the first confirmed death from H5N1 in the U.S., and the CDC says the risk to the public remains low. The patient infected was said to have other health problems and did not spread the virus to anyone else. The CDC explained that most H5N1 infections happen from contact with infected animals, not other people.

“Human infections are mostly linked to animal exposure, not human-to-human transmission,” the CDC said. “We are monitoring the situation, and there is no evidence suggesting a higher risk to public health right now.”

No other cases of H5N1 have been reported in Louisiana so far, and state officials have stated that this seems to be an isolated case. The CDC continues to work with local health authorities to track any new developments in bird flu.

The CDC advises avoiding direct contact with sick or dead birds and their feces. The CDC also warns against eating undercooked poultry or eggs and unpasteurized dairy products that could carry the virus.

Anyone who has been in close contact with infected animals should watch for symptoms like difficulty breathing or eye irritation and seek medical attention if symptoms appear within 10 days.

Over 950 cases of H5N1 have been reported around the world, with about half resulting in death. In the U.S., there have been 66 confirmed cases since 2024.

The CDC is currently working with local officials to ensure the public stays informed and safe. Visit the CDC's website for more details on how to protect yourself from H5N1 bird flu.