United States: First Human Death from Avian Flu H5N1 Reported in Louisiana

The first human death linked to avian flu has been reported in the United States, according to an announcement on Monday, January 6, 2025, by health authorities in the state of Louisiana. The victim, a man over 65 years old with underlying health conditions, contracted a severe form of the H5N1 virus after being exposed to backyard poultry and wild birds.

A Unique Case and Thorough Investigation

The patient, hospitalized in December for a critical respiratory illness, was the first human case of avian flu detected in the United States. According to Louisiana’s Department of Health (LDH), a thorough investigation found no additional cases of H5N1 or evidence of person-to-person transmission. To date, this man remains the only confirmed human case in the state.

Limited Risk but Necessary Precautions

Health authorities consider the overall risk to public health to be low. However, individuals in close contact with birds—whether backyard poultry, wild birds, or animals in agricultural settings—face a higher risk of exposure.

“The best way to protect yourself and your family from the H5N1 virus is to avoid direct contact with infected or potentially infected birds,” the department reminds the public.

The Global Context

This death occurs as human cases of H5N1 have been reported in other countries, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since the virus’s emergence, 61 human cases have been recorded worldwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

While the H5N1 strain is highly pathogenic and poses an increased risk to individuals working closely with birds, U.S. authorities emphasize the importance of preventive measures to reduce exposure.