Investing.com – The Louisiana Department of Health on Monday confirmed the death of a patient who was the first human case of the H5N1 avian influenza in both Louisiana and the United States.
The individual, over the age of 65, had underlying health conditions and was reportedly exposed to the virus through interactions with a non-commercial backyard flock and wild birds.
The state health authorities have completed a thorough public health investigation following the case and have not found any additional instances of H5N1, nor signs of person-to-person transmission. This case remains the sole human infection of H5N1 in the state.
Despite this incident, the Louisiana Department of Health maintains that the risk to the general public is low. However, they caution that individuals with occupational or recreational contact with birds, poultry, or cows may face a higher risk of exposure to the virus.
The H5N1 strain, in particular, has been known to cause severe disease in birds and, when transmitted to humans, can lead to serious health implications.
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