BATON ROUGE, USA – The United States has recorded its first human fatality from H5N1 bird flu, according to the Louisiana Department of Health, reported on Monday, January 6, 2025.
The deceased, a person over 65 with underlying medical conditions, contracted the virus after exposure to a backyard flock and wild birds.
The individual was hospitalised but succumbed to the illness, marking a significant development in the ongoing battle against avian influenza.
Details of the Case
The patient was infected with the D1.1 clade of the bird flu virus, a strain circulating among wild birds and poultry in the region.
This variant has also caused illness in other individuals, including a critically ill teenager in Canada, who later recovered, and poultry workers in Washington, whose cases were milder.
The Louisiana health department confirmed that no other human cases have been linked to this specific infection.
However, the incident underscores the potential risks of H5N1, particularly for individuals in close contact with infected animals.
Global Context and Concerns
Since 2003, approximately 900 human cases of H5N1 have been reported worldwide, with about 50% resulting in death, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Experts caution that this figure likely overestimates the lethality of the virus because milder cases often go unreported.
Even with a significantly lower case fatality rate, the virus poses a serious public health challenge.
Genetic Evolution and Transmission
A genetic analysis of the virus from the Louisiana patient revealed mutations enhancing its ability to infect human upper airways and potentially spread between people.
These mutations were not present in the birds the patient had been exposed to, indicating that the virus adapted during the infection.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating these changes through serial samples from the patient to better understand the virus’s evolution.
Precautions and Public Health Guidance
While the overall risk to the public remains low, the CDC has issued specific recommendations for people in higher-risk categories, such as backyard poultry owners and farm workers.
These measures include:
- Avoid Direct Contact: Do not touch sick or dead animals, their droppings, or bring them into your home.
- Cook Animal Products Thoroughly: Ensure poultry, eggs, and other animal products are cooked to proper temperatures to prevent infection.
- Monitor for Symptoms: Watch for breathing issues or red, infected eyes after exposure to potentially infected animals and consult a healthcare provider if symptoms develop.
- Vaccination and Reporting: Workers in poultry and dairy farms are advised to stay updated on seasonal flu vaccinations and report sick or dead birds to the USDA at 1-866-536-7593.
Implications for Public Health
The fatality highlights the importance of vigilance and proactive measures in managing zoonotic diseases like H5N1.
While the virus has not achieved widespread human-to-human transmission, its ability to adapt genetically in human hosts raises concerns.
Continued surveillance, genetic analysis, and public health education are essential to mitigate risks and prevent further cases.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for stringent biosecurity measures and heightened awareness in communities with close animal-human interactions.
