The first severe human case of avian influenza A(H5N1), or bird flu, has been confirmed in the U.S. A Louisiana resident contracted the virus after exposure to sick and deceased birds from a backyard flock. This marks a significant moment in the fight against H5N1, prompting increased public health efforts.
The CDC’s genomic analysis revealed the virus belongs to the D1.1 genotype, seen in previous human cases in Canada and Washington. The case highlights the importance of biosecurity and monitoring to manage the virus’s spread.
