The United States has recorded its first human death from bird flu, marking a grim milestone alongside at least 66 other cases of the virus in the country. The patient, over the age of 65 with underlying medical conditions, was hospitalized in Louisiana in December, making it the country’s first severe human H5N1 infection. Most cases have been mild, with symptoms like pinkeye, coughs, or sneezes, but the Louisiana patient was exposed to a combination of a backyard flock and wild birds.
Public health officials have not found evidence of person-to-person transmission of the virus, but mutations found in samples from the Louisiana patient could potentially make the virus more transmissible. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains that the immediate risk to public health is low, but advises caution around unpasteurized raw milk, sick or dead animals, and the need for proper protective gear for those working on affected farms.
The response to bird flu in the U.S. has been criticized by some experts as slow and limited, with former Food and Drug Administration officials citing mishandling and the potential for wider spread. The federal response has included increased surveillance, laboratory testing, and medical research, with the Biden administration allocating $306 million for these efforts. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has also ordered testing of the national milk supply in six states.
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