The first death from bird flu in the U.S. was confirmed in Louisiana, involving a patient over 65 with underlying health conditions. The patient had been exposed to backyard flocks and wild birds. The CDC emphasized that the risk to the general public remains low, with no evidence of person-to-person transmission.

The Louisiana Department of Health confirmed on Monday the first death in the United States due to bird flu. The patient, who had been exposed to non-commercial backyard flocks and wild birds, was over the age of 65 and had underlying medical conditions. Last month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had confirmed that this patient was experiencing the first case of severe bird flu in the U.S.

According to health officials, the patient was in critical condition due to severe respiratory illness related to bird flu infection. This remains the only confirmed human case of bird flu in Louisiana. The U.S. has seen an increase in human cases of avian influenza since April, when the first case was reported.

In response to the death, the CDC stated that it was "not unexpected" given the known potential for these viruses to cause severe illness and death. However, the CDC's risk assessment has not changed, and the general public remains at low risk, with no evidence of person-to-person transmission. As of January 3, 2025, there have been 66 confirmed human cases of bird flu in the U.S.

Symptoms of bird flu infection in humans include sore throat, cough, fever, runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Less common symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures. The severity of the illness can vary from mild flu-like symptoms to more severe conditions like pneumonia, which may require hospitalization.

Most cases have been mild and involved direct contact with infected poultry or livestock. Aside from the Louisiana case, patients have generally recovered after receiving antiviral medication. There was one previous case in Missouri where a patient was hospitalized, but health officials cited other underlying health conditions rather than bird flu as the reason for the hospitalization.

While no person-to-person transmission has been identified, those who work with or have recreational exposure to birds, poultry, or cows are at a higher risk. The CDC recommends avoiding contact with sick or dead wild birds, poultry, or other animals, and using personal protective equipment if such contact is unavoidable. The agency also advises against touching surfaces or materials contaminated with saliva, mucus, or feces from birds and animals that are confirmed or suspected to have bird flu, and advises against consuming raw milk or raw milk products.

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued a federal order last month to collect raw milk samples nationwide for bird flu testing. Shortly after, the Food and Drug Administration began collecting samples of aged raw cow's milk cheese to test for the virus.