The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) confirmed the first U.S. human death related to highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1).
The patient, who was over 65 and had underlying health conditions, contracted the virus after exposure to a backyard flock and wild birds. LDH said no additional cases or evidence of person-to-person transmission have been found.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced $306 million to bolster the H5N1 response. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the public risk is low, federal agencies continue working with stakeholders to protect human health, animal health and food safety.
“These investments are critical to continuing our disease surveillance, laboratory testing, and monitoring efforts alongside our partners at USDA,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Preparedness is the key to keeping Americans healthy and our country safe. We will continue to ensure our response is strong, well-equipped and ready for whatever is needed.”
