First Severe Human Case of H5N1 Bird Flu Reported in the U.S.

A critically ill patient in Louisiana marks the most serious human case yet, raising concerns about potential mutations and pandemic risks.

A Louisiana man over the age of 65 is hospitalized in critical condition with severe respiratory symptoms, marking the first severe human case of H5N1 bird flu in the U.S.
The patient had contact with sick and dead birds, and genomic sequencing confirms the virus strain matches those found in other U.S. and Canadian cases.
Over 60 human cases of H5N1 have been detected in the U.S. since April 2024, though most were mild and no human-to-human transmission has been confirmed.
The virus has spread to various mammals, including cows, pigs, and marine animals, with experts warning that mutations could increase its ability to infect humans.
California has declared a state of emergency to combat the virus's spread among livestock, and scientists emphasize the need for heightened surveillance and preparedness.