Louisiana resident is first American to die from H5N1 after contact with infected birds, CDC confirms
America's first human death from bird flu occurred in Louisiana, where an elderly resident succumbed to the H5N1 virus after exposure to infected backyard birds.
The Louisiana Department of Health confirmed on January 6 that the patient, who was over 65 and had underlying health conditions, developed severe respiratory symptoms in December before passing away. Genetic analysis revealed that the victim contracted the D1.1 genotype of H5N1, matching strains found in wild birds but distinct from versions currently spreading through U.S. dairy cattle.