
What The CDC Wants You To Know About Louisiana’s Bird Flu Death
Tragically, Louisiana has reported the first-ever H5N1 avian flu mortality in the United States. You read correctly—bird flu. The devastating news was released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which noted that although it's a serious milestone, it wasn't totally unexpected. Bird flu has a somewhat negative reputation for inflicting serious disease, and in certain situations, it can even be fatal.
Let's dissect it before you begin to look suspiciously at your backyard hens. There have been 67 confirmed human H5N1 cases in the United States since 2022 and 66 since 2024 as of January 6, 2025. The first recorded fatality in the United States is the recent example from Louisiana. But the situation is different on a global scale. About half of the more than 950 H5N1 infections that have been reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) have resulted in fatalities.
Don't panic just yet! The risk to the public is remains minimal, according to the CDC. The CDC website states that no proof of person-to-person transmission has been found. Like the situation in Louisiana, the majority of H5N1 illnesses are associated with close contact with infected animals. This implies that you're probably safe unless you're spending your weekends cuddling ill ducks or turkeys.
The CDC is keeping a close watch, though. Here’s what they’re up to:
- Studying every case: They’re analyzing what happened in Louisiana and elsewhere.
- Active surveillance: Working with local and state partners to find any new cases.
- Monitoring virus changes: Watching for signs the virus could adapt to spread more easily or become resistant to treatments.
- Prevention tips: Sharing advice for those at higher risk, like poultry workers and bird enthusiasts.
What is the lesson, then? Even though this is a significant issue, going to the grocery store in hazmat suits is not necessary. To learn more about H5N1 bird flu and how to protect yourself, read the CDC website, stay informed, and refrain from needless bird cuddling.
Let's hope that we don't have to hear any more horrible news regarding bird flu anytime soon and keep Louisiana in our prayers in the interim.
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Gallery Credit: David Drew
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