LDH reports the first H5N1-related human death in the United States

LDH reports the first H5N1-related human death in the United States

The Louisiana Department of Health reports that the patient hospitalized with the first human case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or H5N1, in Louisiana and the United States has died. The patient was over 65 years old and reportedly had underlying medical conditions. The patient contracted H5N1 after exposure to a combination of a non-commercial backyard flock and wild birds.

LDH’s comprehensive public health investigation has revealed no additional H5N1 cases or evidence of human-to-human transmission. This patient remains the only human case of H5N1 in Louisiana.

The department extends its deepest condolences to the patient’s family and friends as they mourn the loss of their loved one. Due to patient confidentiality and respect for the family, this will be the final update on the patient.

While the health risk to the general public remains low at this time, people who work with or have recreational exposure to birds, poultry or cows are at higher risk.

The best way to protect yourself and your family from H5N1 is to avoid sources of exposure. This means avoiding direct contact with wild birds and other animals infected or suspected of being infected with avian influenza viruses.

Protect yourself and others from H5N1 infection

  • Do not touch sick or dead animals or their feces or 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 foods. Cook poultry, eggs and other animal products to the right temperature and prevent cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods.
  • Avoid uncooked foods such as unpasteurized raw milk or cheese from animals with a suspected or confirmed infection.
  • If you work on poultry or dairy farms, talk to your provider about seasonal flu vaccination. It does not prevent infection with avian influenza viruses, but may reduce the risk of co-infection with avian influenza viruses and influenza viruses.
  • Report dead or sick birds or animals toll-free to the USDA at 1-866-536-7593 or the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Diagnostic Lab at 318-927-3441.

If you have been exposed to sick or dead birds or other animals or work on a farm where bird flu has been detected, monitor for respiratory symptoms or conjunctivitis. If you develop symptoms within 10 days of contact with sick or dead animals, tell your doctor that you have been in contact with sick animals and are concerned about bird flu. This will help give you appropriate advice on testing and treatment. Stay home and keep away from others while you have symptoms.

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