Louisiana, January 7 – The United States has reported its first human death from the H5N1 avian influenza, with a Louisiana resident succumbing to the virus. The individual, aged over 65 and with underlying health conditions, was hospitalized with severe symptoms. The Louisiana Department of Health confirmed that the patient contracted the virus after exposure to domestic and wild birds.
This death marks the first H5N1-related fatality in the U.S., although health officials stress that the public health risk remains low. Authorities are advising people to avoid contact with sick or dead birds and to seek medical attention if they develop flu-like symptoms after such exposure.
