The Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed the first recorded serious illness from bird flu in the United States.

On Wednesday, the CDC announced that a person in Louisiana was hospitalized in critical condition with severe respiratory symptoms caused by an H5n1 avian influenza infection. The person, aged over 65 and with health problems, had contact with sick and dead birds in a backyard flock. Their identities and whereabouts have not been revealed.

According to the CDC, it is the first human case in the U.S. linked to exposure to backyard birds.

More than 60 human avian flu infections have been reported in the U.S. since March, but the underlying illnesses were mild and most were found in farm workers exposed to sick poultry or dairy cows. In two cases — an adult in Missouri and a child in California — health authorities have not determined how they became infected.

CDC officials said bird flu is still primarily an animal health problem and that the risk to the public remains low. There is no documented spread of the virus from person to person, said Dr. Demetre Daskalakis from the CDC.

The Louisiana illness comes weeks after Canadian officials reported that a teenager in British Columbia was hospitalized with a severe case of bird flu. In both cases, the illnesses were caused by a strain of the virus found in wild birds, not cattle, officials said.

The CDC said “one sporadic case” of H5N1 associated with serious illness was reported in other countries in 2024 and previous years. The disease can be fatal, so health authorities continue to monitor the situation.

California declares a state of emergency due to bird flu

In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency because cases of the virus were detected in dairy cows on farms in Southern California. The virus was previously discovered in the state’s Central Valley.

“This proclamation is a targeted measure to ensure government agencies have the resources and flexibility they need to respond quickly to this outbreak,” Newsom said in a statement.

The virus has been detected in 865 dairy herds in 16 states, including nearly 650 in California. Raw milk from infected cattle was called back late last month after the virus was found in samples sold in California stores.

On Wednesday, Los Angeles County health officials confirmed the deaths of two cats from avian flu infections after drinking the recalled raw milk.

Flu experts said the spread of the virus in humans remains unclear but urged people who come into contact with sick or dead birds to take precautions, including wearing respiratory protection, eye protection and gloves when handling poultry.

LouisianaHealthNews