Credit: Cynthia Goldsmith
In a tragic development, the first U.S. death related to avian influenza has been reported in Louisiana, marking a concerning moment in the ongoing bird flu outbreak. This case, involving a patient aged 65 and older with preexisting health conditions, has brought attention to the current risks of bird flu, particularly for those with close contact with birds. While this represents a rare occurrence, understanding the broader context of the bird flu virus, its risks, and how to stay protected is crucial.
The patient’s background and circumstances
The patient who died from H5N1 avian influenza had a history of health complications and had been exposed to both wild and backyard birds. The Louisiana Department of Health confirmed the individual’s exposure to these birds as a likely source of the infection. However, health officials reassured the public that this case was isolated, with no evidence of further transmission among people. The risk for widespread infection remains minimal.
“While the current public health risk for the general public remains low, people who work with birds, poultry, or cows, or have recreational exposure to them, are at higher risk,” stated the Louisiana Department of Health in its public statement.
This death serves as a reminder that, although bird flu can be deadly in rare cases, it is not an immediate threat to the general public at this time. For those at higher risk, such as those with frequent exposure to infected birds, preventative measures remain essential.
H5N1 bird flu: rare but severe
H5N1, the strain responsible for avian influenza outbreaks, has the potential to cause severe illness in humans. However, the virus has not yet evolved to spread easily from person to person. According to Dr. William Schaffner, a leading infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, “The bird flu virus has not acquired the genetic capacity to readily infect humans or to spread easily in the human population.”
Dr. Schaffner further emphasized that if the virus were to adapt and acquire the ability to spread more easily between humans, the world could face a much larger pandemic, with devastating consequences.
In fact, almost all of the 46 human cases of bird flu reported in the U.S. from March to October 2024 were mild, with the majority linked to exposure on farms or with infected animals. The cases were predominantly found among people in close contact with infected poultry or livestock. As the virus has yet to exhibit efficient human-to-human transmission, the current threat of a widespread outbreak remains low.
Who is at risk?
While the overall risk to the general public is still low, certain groups face a higher risk of developing severe illness from bird flu. As with many other viral infections, elderly individuals and those with chronic health conditions are more vulnerable. Dr. Schaffner pointed out that the focus should remain on seasonal flu, which spreads much more easily and is a significant cause of illness and death in the U.S. “Right now, people should be much more worried about seasonal flu — which is highly contagious and easily spreads from person to person — than about bird flu,” he added.
For those at higher risk due to exposure to birds—such as farm workers, hunters, or people in close contact with wild birds—the guidelines recommend extra precautions. Dr. Richard Webby, an infectious disease researcher at St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, suggests that individuals in these groups “conduct activities in well-ventilated areas with hygiene precautions such as hand washing and maybe even masking.” These measures can help reduce the potential for infection.
How does bird flu affect humans?
The primary way in which bird flu infects humans is through close contact with infected birds or their excretions. According to Dr. Stephen Morse, an epidemiologist at Columbia University, “The virus is probably inhaled in most of the serious cases.” In other words, it is not just a matter of proximity to infected birds but also the concentration of the virus in the air.
Bird flu primarily targets the respiratory tract, making it particularly dangerous for people with compromised immune systems or those who experience prolonged exposure to infected birds. Serious human cases of bird flu remain rare due to these factors, as most people would need to be in close proximity to infected animals, often performing tasks like defeathering or cleaning dead birds.
Preventative measures and what you can do
The Louisiana Department of Health has provided a set of guidelines to help individuals protect themselves from potential bird flu infection:
- Avoid handling sick or dead birds and their bodily fluids.
- Keep pets away from sick or dead animals and their waste.
- Do not consume undercooked animal products. Always cook poultry, eggs, and other animal products to the appropriate temperature.
- Avoid raw food products, such as unpasteurized milk or cheeses, from animals that may have been infected.
- People working on poultry farms are advised to get their seasonal flu vaccine, which won’t prevent bird flu but could help reduce the risk of a co-infection with seasonal flu viruses.
While the risk of widespread avian influenza remains low, individuals who work closely with animals or who are in high-risk groups should remain vigilant and follow appropriate safety measures.
Risk remains low, but vigilance is key
The death of the Louisiana patient is a tragic reminder of the potential severity of avian influenza, but it is important to emphasize that this remains a rare occurrence. Public health officials continue to monitor the situation, and no further evidence of person-to-person transmission has been found. The best approach for the general public is to stay informed, practice proper hygiene and safety precautions when around birds, and, if necessary, seek guidance from healthcare professionals.
With continued vigilance, timely interventions, and strict biosecurity measures on farms, the risk of widespread avian influenza infection remains controlled. However, as always, staying informed and prepared is the key to minimizing the impact of such outbreaks.