Louisiana reports first human death from bird flu in US

Louisiana on Monday reported the United States' first human death from a case of the bird flu, which comes as the U.S. records at least 66 cases nationwide. 

The patient, who was over 65 and had underlying health conditions, was first hospitalized with the virus in December, and had the country's most severe human H5N1 infection.

The Louisiana Department of Health said the patient had been exposed to the virus through a backyard flock and wild birds. There have been no other cases of the virus in Louisiana, and no evidence of person-to-person transmission.

“The Department expresses its deepest condolences to the patient’s family and friends as they mourn the loss of their loved one,” it said in a statement. “Due to patient confidentiality and respect for the family, this will be the final update about the patient.”

The other cases in the U.S. have mostly been mild, with symptoms including pinkeye, coughs or sneezes, per NBC News. All but one of those cases have been diagnosed within the past 10 months, and largely spread through contact with cattle or birds.

Louisiana said the public health risk of the bird flu remains low, but that people who interact with cattle and birds, including dead ones, are at a higher risk. 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.