A patient that had been hospitalized with avian influenza, otherwise known as bird flu, has died, marking them the first person to have died in the U.S. from the disease.
The patient at a Louisiana hospital was older than 65, and had underlying medical conditions, according to the Louisiana Department of Health.
The patient, who is not being named, is believed to have contracted the virus after exposure to non-commercial backyard flock and wild birds, officials said.
There have been no other reports of humans hospitalized from bird flu in Louisiana.
A genetic analysis of the bird flu contracted by the patient found that it had mutated while inside of their body, leading the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to have labeled it "concerning" in a previous report.
However, no transmissions of the virus from person-to-person have been reported.
Despite the recent death, bird flu remains low risk for the public. The Louisiana Department of Health recommends refraining from touching dead animals, or bringing sick or injured birds inside your home. Officials added that pets should be kept away as well.
Undercooked or uncooked food should also be treated with caution, and should only be eaten after being cooked all the way.
Two different vaccinations against the virus have been compiled by the Biden administration. However, officials do not have plans to distribute them unless the disease becomes more prevalent among people, NBC News reported.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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