First Human Fatality from H5N1 Bird Flu in the U.S.
| Why in News | Key Points |
|---|---|
| First Human Death from H5N1 in Louisiana (USA) | 1. Louisiana reported the first human death due to H5N1 bird flu in the U.S. on January 6, 2025. 2. The victim was over 65 years old with underlying health conditions. 3. The individual was exposed to infected wild and backyard birds. 4. The CDC confirmed 66 human cases of H5N1 in the U.S. since 2024, with a total of 67 cases since 2022. 5. No person-to-person transmission has been reported. |
| H5N1 Virus Overview | 1. The H5N1 virus was first identified in 1996. 2. It causes severe illness and death in birds and humans. 3. The virus has a high fatality rate in humans but is not easily transmitted between people. |
| U.S. CDC's Role and Response | 1. The CDC has been monitoring H5N1 infections closely since 2024. 2. It collaborates with state and local health authorities to investigate cases and ensure public health safety. |
| Important Locations | 1. State: Louisiana (U.S.) |
| Other Relevant Info | 1. CDC's ongoing surveillance of avian influenza and preparedness measures. 2. Focus on avoiding direct contact with wild and domestic birds to prevent infection. |