First US Fatality from H5N1 Bird Flu

Louisiana marks its first H5N1 bird flu death on January 7, 2025. A 65-year-old with underlying health issues caught the virus from backyard chickens—proving that sometimes, poultry can be perilous!

With 66 U.S. cases since April and no evidence of person-to-person transmission, the CDC maintains that the general public risk remains low. Experts advise bird handlers to stay vigilant, while pasteurized dairy remains safe. Stay cautious and keep those sick birds at bay!