The United States has recorded the first human death from highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu)
The Louisiana Department of Health reported on Monday that the patient who had been hospitalized with the first human case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or H5N1, in Louisiana and the U.S. has died.
The patient who was over the age of 65 and was reported to have underlying medical conditions, and have contracted H5N1 after being exposed to a combination of a non-commercial backyard flock and wild birds.
According to LDH’s extensive public health investigation, this patient remains the only case of H5N1 in Louisiana, as no additional H5N1 cases nor evidence of person-to-person transmission.
The Department also expressed its deepest condolences to the patient’s family and friends as they mourn the loss of their loved one.
The Department said that this will be the final update about the patient due to patient confidentiality and respect for the family.
LDH also warned that while the current general public health risk remains low, people who work with birds, poultry or cows, or have recreational exposure to them are at higher risk.
The Department added that “the best way to protect yourself and your family from H5N1 is to avoid sources of exposure. That means avoiding direct contact with wild birds and other animals infected with or suspected to be infected with bird flu viruses.”
It therefore gave the following tips on how to protect oneself
- Do not touch sick or dead animals or their droppings and do not bring sick wild animals into your home.
- Keep your pets away from sick or dead animals and their feces.
- Do not eat uncooked or undercooked food. Cook poultry, eggs and other animal products to the proper temperature and prevent cross-contamination between raw and cooked food.
- Avoid uncooked food products such as unpasteurized raw milk or cheeses from animals that have a suspected or confirmed infection.
- If you work on poultry or dairy farms, talk to your provider about getting your seasonal flu vaccination. It will not prevent infection with avian influenza viruses, but it can reduce the risk of coinfection with avian and flu viruses.
- Report dead or sick birds or animals to the USDA toll-free at 1-866-536-7593 or the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Diagnostic Lab at 318-927-3441.
According to LDH “If you have been exposed to sick or dead birds or other animals or work on a farm where avian influenza has been detected, watch for respiratory symptoms or conjunctivitis.
“If you develop symptoms within 10 days after exposure to sick or dead animals, tell your healthcare provider that you have been in contact with sick animals and are concerned about avian influenza.”
“This will help them give you appropriate advice on testing and treatment. Stay home and away from others while you have symptoms,” the Department added.
