Health officials in the United States have confirmed the first severe case of bird flu in the country, originating from Louisiana. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on Wednesday that the infected individual had been in contact with sick and dead birds in backyard flocks.
While the CDC did not immediately provide details on the patient's symptoms, previous cases of bird flu in the U.S. have been mild, with the majority occurring among farmworkers exposed to sick poultry or dairy cows.
So far this year, over 60 bird flu infections have been reported, with more than half of them in California. Two cases, one in Missouri and one in California, have left health officials puzzled as they have not yet determined the source of the infection.
The CDC officially confirmed the Louisiana infection on Friday but only made the announcement public on Wednesday. This case marks the first instance in the U.S. where a human infection has been linked to exposure to a backyard flock.
Despite these developments, health officials emphasize that bird flu remains primarily an animal health issue, and the risk to the general public is considered low. There have been no documented cases of the virus spreading from person to person.
It is crucial for individuals to exercise caution when in contact with sick or dead birds, especially in backyard flocks, to minimize the risk of contracting bird flu. Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to prevent further spread of the virus.
