December 18, 2024— A affected person has been hospitalized with a extreme case of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus (“H5N1 hen flu”) an infection in Louisiana. This marks the primary occasion of extreme sickness linked to the virus within the United States. The case was confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday, December 13. Since April 2024, there have been a complete of 61 reported human circumstances of H5 hen flu reported within the United States.
Partial viral genome information of the H5N1 avian influenza virus that contaminated the affected person in Louisiana signifies that the virus belongs to the D1.1 genotype associated to different D1.1 viruses not too long ago detected in wild birds and poultry within the United States and in latest human circumstances in British Columbia, Canada, and Washington state. This H5N1 hen flu genotype is completely different than the B3.13 genotype detected in dairy cows, sporadic human circumstances in a number of states, and a few poultry outbreaks within the United States. Additional genomic sequencing and efforts to isolate virus from scientific specimens from the affected person in Louisiana are underway at CDC.
While an investigation into the supply of the an infection in Louisiana is ongoing, it has been decided that the affected person had publicity to sick and lifeless birds in yard flocks. This is the primary case of H5N1 hen flu within the U.S. that has been linked to publicity to a yard flock. A sporadic case of extreme H5N1 hen flu sickness in an individual is just not sudden; avian influenza A(H5N1) virus an infection has beforehand been related to extreme human sickness in different nations throughout 2024 and prior years, together with sickness leading to dying. No person-to-person unfold of H5 hen flu has been detected. This case doesn’t change CDC’s total evaluation of the speedy threat to the general public’s well being from H5N1 hen flu, which stays low.
This case underscores that, along with affected business poultry and dairy operations, wild birds and yard flocks additionally generally is a supply of publicity. People with work or leisure exposures to contaminated animals are at increased threat of an infection and will observe CDC’s recommended precautions when round animals which might be contaminated or probably contaminated with H5N1 avian influenza virus. This implies that backyard flock owners, hunters and different hen fans also needs to take precautions.
The finest method to stop H5 hen flu is to keep away from publicity every time attainable. Infected birds shed avian influenza A viruses of their saliva, mucous, and feces. Other contaminated animals could shed avian influenza A viruses in respiratory secretions and different bodily fluids (e.g., in unpasteurized cow milk or ‘uncooked milk’).
- As a basic precaution, every time attainable, individuals ought to keep away from contact with sick or lifeless animals, particularly wild birds, and poultry.
- For people with direct/shut contact with wild birds or sick or lifeless poultry or different animals, put on recommended personal protective equipment (PPE). Wild birds may be contaminated with avian influenza A viruses even when they do not look sick.
- Do not contact surfaces or supplies (e.g., animal litter or bedding materials) contaminated with saliva, mucous, or animal feces from wild or home birds or different animals with confirmed or suspected avian influenza A virus an infection.
For extra data on H5 hen flu within the U.S. and CDC’s response, together with often up to date case counts, go to the H5 Bird Flu: Current Situation page.
