First Human Bird Flu Death in U.S. Reported—How Worried Should We Be?

Category: Health

The Louisiana Department of Health reported the first U.S. death from H5N1 avian influenza, involving an individual over 65 with underlying health conditions. Since 2024, there have been 66 confirmed human cases, mostly mild. Public health experts emphasize the low risk to the general public but caution that exposure increases the chance of virus mutation. Precautions are advised for those in contact with poultry and wild birds, as the situation could change rapidly.

Keywords: H5N1, avian influenza, public health

Source: Scientific American

Update At: 1/8/2025

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