CDC Confirms First Severe Bird Flu Case In The U.S.

Source: Radio One Digital / Radio One Digital

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Wednesday the first severe illness caused by bird flu in the U.S. A person in Louisiana was reportedly exposed to sick and dead birds in backyard flocks, which was originally confirmed by health officials Friday.

CBS News reports, 

This is also the first case of H5N1 bird flu in the U.S. that has been linked to exposure to a backyard flock, a news release noted. Officials have not shared details on the patient’s symptoms.

The case was first confirmed by health officials Friday, adding to the total of 61 reported human cases of H5 bird flu reported in the United States. Another severe case of H5N1 has been reported in a teen in British Columbia.

A release from the Louisiana Department of Health Wednesday added the patient, a resident of southwestern Louisiana, is currently hospitalized. Until now, the H5N1 cases in the U.S. have been mild, including conjunctivitis and upper respiratory symptoms.

“While the current public health risk for the general public is low, people who work with birds, poultry or cows, or have recreational exposure to them, are at higher risk,” the state’s health department added.