First severe human case of bird flu in US sparks pandemic concerns
US authorities announced on Wednesday the first severe human case of avian flu in Louisiana, marking a critical escalation in the 2024 outbreak. With 61 cases reported nationwide, experts warn of rising pandemic risks.
An elderly patient in Louisiana is in a "critical condition" with severe avian influenza, US authorities announced Wednesday, the first serious human case in the country as fears grow of a possible bird flu pandemic.
The new case brings the total number of infections in the United States during the current 2024 outbreak to 61, with other patients experiencing mild symptoms they recovered from at home.
The severity of the Louisiana case has heightened alarm, echoing similar cases worldwide. Last month, a teenager in Canada was also hospitalized with a severe case of bird flu.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Louisiana patient was exposed to sick and dead birds in backyard flocks.
"The patient is experiencing severe respiratory illness related to H5N1 infection and is currently hospitalized in critical condition," the Louisiana health department said in a statement to AFP, adding the person has underlying medical conditions and is over the age of 65.
"The demonstrated potential for this virus to cause severe illness in people continues to highlight the importance of the joint... US federal response," he added.
The case was confirmed last Friday, according to the CDC. Genetic sequencing revealed that the H5N1 virus in the patient belonged to the D1.1 genotype.
(AFP)
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