After confirming a first serious case of H5N1 avian flu on American soil, health authorities provided more details on Friday. The patient, a Louisiana resident over the age of 65, is currently in critical condition, hospitalized with a severe respiratory infection, NBC News reports. This infection, linked to probable exposure to sick or dead birds, marks an alarming stage in the progression of this virus in humans in the United States.
According to Emma Herrock, spokesperson for the Louisiana Department of Health, this case is particularly concerning due to the severity of the patient’s symptoms. “His condition remains critical, and he is receiving intensive care to try to stabilize his situation,” she told NBC News.
A serious household infection
Unlike the majority of cases recorded so far, which involved agricultural workers in professional environments, this infection occurred in a domestic setting. The patient allegedly handled sick or dead birds on his property, a situation that alarms experts. Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, noted: “This case highlights a growing risk to individuals. Handling birds in your garden can now be as risky as working on an infected farm. »
Since the start of the year, American authorities have recorded 61 human cases of H5N1 avian flu but none so far has been of such severity. This case in Louisiana marks a first and pushes authorities to broaden their vigilance towards people handling birds outside agricultural operations.
A virus under close surveillance
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revealed that the virus responsible for this serious infection is genetically similar to a strain currently circulating among wild and domestic birds in British Columbia (Canada) and the state of Washington. A Canadian teenager was hospitalized in November after contracting the same strain, and although his condition improved, the origin of his infection could not be determined.
Separately, Wisconsin authorities announced Wednesday that they had detected an additional probable case in a person exposed to infected birds on a commercial poultry farm. This case is awaiting confirmation.
Our file on avian flu
Health authorities are calling for increased vigilance, particularly for those handling sick or dead birds, whether on farms or in domestic settings.