The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported the first serious case of bird flu in the United States in a person from southwest Louisiana, the 61st person infected with the virus this year.
Avian influenza A (H5N1) – otherwise known as bird flu – is a virus that used to be very rare and very deadly in humans, but in recent years has mutated to infect more species with generally milder symptoms.
Since the start of this year’s bird flu outbreak, the disease has infected wild birds, poultry, cattle, pigs and humans – but no other people have contracted the disease yet.
Where did human bird flu cases come from?
According to the CDC, 37 human cases of bird flu in the US have come from contact with cows, 21 from poultry farms, two from unknown sources and this new case in Louisiana happened after contact with wild birds.
A CDC statement released Wednesday said, “While the investigation into the source of the infection in Louisiana is ongoing, it was determined that the patient was exposed to sick and dead birds in backyard flocks.
“This is the first case of H5N1 bird flu in the US that has been linked to backyard flock exposure.”
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Christofferson said she was personally surprised the virus took so long to infect Louisiana residents.
What is the risk of another pandemic?
“We’re smack in the middle of the Mississippi Flyway, which hosts a lot of birds in migration,” she said. “While I’m not panicking, I think it’s wise to remain vigilant and our state authorities have done a great job keeping their fingers crossed on this issue.
“However, I fear it will spread because diseases – and birds, for that matter – do not know borders.”
Some scientists fear that bird flu could become a pandemic if it continues to mutate.
“No one wants another pandemic. It wasn’t fun for anyone.”
Symptoms of bird flu in humans can range from mild, such as pink eye, to severe respiratory illness requiring hospitalization.
“The good news is that it’s easy to protect yourself,” Christofferson said. “The risk to the public remains low. We encourage people who come into contact with birds or suspected sick animals, whether through work, recreation or having chickens in their backyard, to take precautions.
“Wearing gloves and masks and washing your hands will protect you, as with other respiratory viruses.”
