The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported the first severe case of H5N1 bird flu in the United States. The patient, a resident from southwestern Louisiana, was exposed to sick and dead birds in backyard flocks. This case is the first in the U.S. linked to such exposure.
The Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed that the patient is currently in critical condition in the hospital. Dr. Céline Gounder, a medical contributor for CBS News, mentioned that the patient is over 65 and has existing health issues. Previous H5N1 cases in the U.S. have been mild, with symptoms like eye infections and upper respiratory problems.
Despite this severe case, health officials believe that the risk to the general public is still low. However, people who work closely with birds, poultry, or livestock are advised to take precautions. Dr. Gounder also advised against consuming raw milk during this time as a safety measure.
The CDC is monitoring the situation carefully and is aware of the concerns about potential human-to-human transmission, which could increase the risk. In light of the rising bird flu cases, California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency to ensure that government agencies have the necessary resources to handle the outbreak.
As the situation develops, public health authorities will continue to provide updates and recommendations to help prevent the spread of the virus and protect those at higher risk.
