In a first for the United States, a Louisiana man has died from H5N1 bird flu, a strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Health experts, however, reassure that the risk to the general public remains low.
The Louisiana Department of Health reported on January 6 that the man, aged over 65 and with pre-existing medical conditions, contracted the virus after exposure to backyard poultry and wild birds. Officials confirmed there was no evidence of person-to-person transmission in this case.
The man, identified as the country’s first severe H5N1 patient, was hospitalized in December with respiratory symptoms. Health authorities diagnosed him with the D1.1 subtype of the virus on December 13. This strain has been spreading widely in U.S. poultry and wild birds.
The D1.1 subtype was also linked to a critical case in Canada—a 13-year-old girl hospitalized in November. She remains under care but has shown signs of recovery.
Since early 2024, there have been 66 confirmed human cases of H5N1 in the U.S., mostly involving farm workers. The majority of these cases resulted in mild symptoms like pink eye, fever, and cough.
In addition to the D1.1 subtype affecting poultry and wild birds, another strain, B3.13, has been observed primarily in dairy cows.
The virus in the Louisiana patient showed genetic mutations that could potentially enhance its ability to spread among humans. However, these mutations developed late in his infection, after precautions had been taken to prevent transmission.
“These changes aren’t highly alarming, but they highlight the importance of monitoring,” said Angela Rasmussen, a virologist at the University of Saskatchewan.
Health officials are closely monitoring the spread of H5N1 among birds and livestock, emphasizing preventive measures for those in contact with infected animals. Public health agencies stress the importance of hygiene and proper protective equipment for farm workers.
While the death marks a significant milestone, experts continue to underline that the current risk of widespread human transmission is low. Ongoing surveillance and research remain critical to ensuring public safety.
For now, the focus is on mitigating risks and understanding the evolving behavior of the virus to prevent further severe cases.