CDC Reports First Severe Bird Flu Case in the U.S.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed the first case of severe bird flu in the United States. The patient, currently hospitalized in Louisiana and over the age of 65 with underlying health conditions, is in critical condition due to severe respiratory illness linked to the bird flu infection.

Bird Flu shows its first severe case

Genomic analysis revealed that the patient contracted a strain of the virus spreading among wild birds and poultry, distinct from the strain found in dairy cows. The individual had contact with sick and dead birds in backyard flocks, marking the first U.S. human bird flu case linked to such exposure.

Since April, 61 human cases of bird flu have been reported in the country, with most involving direct livestock contact. Infections typically cause flu-like symptoms but can escalate to severe illness. The CDC stresses that while person-to-person transmission has not been detected, those in contact with birds or livestock should take precautions. The government has also initiated testing of raw milk samples nationwide after detecting the virus in a California farm's products. Meanwhile, California has declared a state of emergency to respond to the outbreak, with 33 human cases reported in the state this year.