Louisiana has reported its first presumptive human case of H5N1 bird flu, according to the state’s health department. The individual is currently hospitalized. The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) announced this significant case, stating the infected person had been exposed to sick and dead birds suspected to carry the virus.
“The individual is a resident of southwestern Louisiana and is currently hospitalized,” the department said in its statement on Friday, December 13, 2024. Specifics about the patient’s symptoms or current medical status were not made available.
This case is part of a concerning trend, as human infections of H5N1 have been detected primarily among those with close exposure to infected birds. The strain involved here is believed to be clade 2.3.4.4b, which has raised alarm due to its mutations and potential for easier transmission among mammals.
Just last week, Arizona confirmed its first two human cases of H5N1, which appeared among poultry workers who experienced mild symptoms and have since recovered. Nationwide, there have been 67 confirmed human cases of H5N1, most of which are associated with poultry or dairy exposure. Alarmingly, two cases—one from California and another from Missouri—show no direct link to poultry, implying the virus might be spreading through other mammals or via alternate transmission paths.
A similar situation developed recently with Canada’s first identified human H5N1 case, confirmed earlier this month. The patient, described as a teenager, was treated at a hospital in British Columbia with no known ties to poultry or dairy and had last been reported as being in serious condition.
Experts have consistently affirmed—at this point—there is no documented evidence of human-to-human transmission related to H5N1 cases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), globally, there have been 82 human cases of H5N1 bird flu this year. Of these, 67 occurred within the United States, with additional cases reported from Cambodia, Vietnam, Australia, Canada, and China.
This new variant, clade 2.3.4.4b, has been observed or suspected across all identified U.S. cases, which have included 35 cases in California, 14 in Washington, 10 in Colorado, with Louisiana making its entry as the eighth state to report human infection.
To mitigate exposure risks, the Louisiana Department of Health advises the public to avoid direct contact with wild birds, sick or dead animals, and their droppings. They encourage individuals, especially those who have occupational exposure, such as dairy or poultry farm workers, to exercise caution.
“The public health risk for the general public is low,” health officials stated, alleviating some fear among citizens. They also provided guidelines for everyone to prevent exposure to H5N1, such as:
- Avoiding direct contact with sick or dead animals or their droppings.
- Keeping pets away from such animals.
- Ensuring proper cooking of animal products to the appropriate temperatures.
- Prevent cross-contamination during food preparation.
- Avoid uncooked or undercooked food products.
- Seek seasonal flu vaccinations, as this may reduce the risk of simultaneous infection with other flu strains.
The need for vigilance remains, especially for those regularly working with poultry or cattle and engaging with wild birds.
Though the seasonal flu vaccine will not provide protection against H5N1 directly, it aids individuals who may be at risk of dual infections. The health department urges citizens who observe dead or sick birds to report them to either the U.S. Department of Agriculture or their local health department.
Overall, this first human case of H5N1 bird flu, confirmed within Louisiana, has prompted prompt investigations and preventative measures to mitigate the virus's spread and safeguard public health. Now more than ever, awareness and precaution are pivotal.
