The Louisiana Department of Health reported that a patient hospitalized with the first human case of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or H5N1, in the U.S. has died.

The patient, over 65 and with underlying health conditions, contracted H5N1 after exposure to a combination of a non-commercial backyard flock and wild birds.

LDH's investigation found no other H5N1 cases or evidence of person-to-person transmission.

Health officials say that 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.

  • Protecting Yourself:
  • Avoid contact with sick or dead animals and their droppings.
  • Keep pets away from sick or dead animals.
  • Cook poultry, eggs, and other animal products thoroughly.
  • Avoid uncooked food products from infected animals.
  • If you work on poultry or dairy farms, get a seasonal flu vaccination.

If you develop respiratory symptoms or conjunctivitis within 10 days of exposure to sick or dead animals, inform your healthcare provider about the contact.