First Severe Case of Bird Flu Detected in Louisiana
Recent upticks of the bird flu virus in both dairy cattle and humans have also led to a state of emergency in California.
An individual in Louisiana was hospitalized due to symptoms of the avian influenza A(H5N1) virus, or bird flu, making it the first case of severe bird flu illness since the virus began infecting US patients in April 2024.1 Along with a continuous uptick in cases among dairy cattle in the state, the recent report of severe illness has pressured California Governor Gavin Newsom to issue a “proactive” state of emergency to address the issue.2
“This proclamation is a targeted action to ensure government agencies have the resources and flexibility they need to respond quickly to this outbreak,” said Newsom in a statement. The hospitalized individual—whose symptoms have spurred nationwide concern about the virus’ impact on humans—was last reported as being in critical condition with severe respiratory complications.3
The most recent case of bird flu is now the 61st US case reported in 2024. | image credit: JUN LI / stock.adobe.com
While this is the first and only person impacted by severe infection thus far, they joined 60 other individuals who have tested positive for H5N1 bird flu throughout 2024.1 With the second human case of bird flu in the US being reported just this past year, infectious disease experts haven’t expressed great concern about the virus becoming a larger public health issue.
However, with the first instance of a severe case, concerns of a pandemic-level bird flu event have reappeared. “We may see more cases of severe disease in the US since cases seem to be growing more frequent,” said Angela Rasmussen, PhD, University of Saskatchewan virologist.3
READ MORE: H5N1 Bird Flu: A Slowly Looming Public Health Threat
In California, the issue is especially concerning in relation to other US states. While the first report of severe bird flu played a factor in California’s state of emergency, the continuous outbreaks among dairy cattle in the state may be even more alarming for state officials.
A total of 865 dairy herds in 16 different states have experienced a bird flu outbreak. Among the infected herds, almost 650 of them were detected in California. As the state continues to combat this issue on its dairy farms, the virus has since moved from cows to grocery store shelves. Indeed, viral samples were recently found in California and the death of 2 cats that drank contaminated milk were reported.3
Finally, prior to the first report of severe bird flu in Louisiana, California also reported the first case of bird flu infection in a child from the US. However, unlike the individual with severe infection—and more similar to all other reported cases since April—the child only reported mild symptoms and was able to fully recover.4
“While an investigation into the source of the infection in Louisiana is ongoing, it has been determined that the patient had exposure to sick and dead birds in backyard flocks. This is the first case of H5N1 bird flu in the U.S. that has been linked to exposure to a backyard flock,” wrote the CDC.1 “A sporadic case of severe H5N1 bird flu illness in a person is not unexpected; avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection has previously been associated with severe human illness in other countries during 2024 and prior years, including illness resulting in death.”
With outbreaks in the US requiring different approaches in each state, it’s important for state officials to understand how the bird flu spreads to humans and what the population must understand to curb the spread.
“The best way to prevent H5 bird flu is to avoid exposure whenever possible. Infected birds shed avian influenza A viruses in their saliva, mucous, and feces. Other infected animals may shed avian influenza A viruses in respiratory secretions and other bodily fluids,” continued the CDC.
Dairy farm and poultry workers have been constantly reminded in the recent past about best practices for stopping the spread of bird flu. However, with cases mainly existing in animals, humans haven’t needed to express significant concerns about the virus until now. With severe cases beginning to pop up in the US, officials will need to start relaying bird flu information to as many patients as possible in order to avoid an increase in human cases.
“While the risk to the public remains low, we will continue to take all necessary steps to prevent the spread of this virus,” concluded Newsom in his statement.2
READ MORE: Infectious Disease Resource Center
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