“Severe” Bird Flu Reported In Louisiana

On Wednesday, the CDC confirmed the first case of “severe” bird flu in a human in the United States.  Health officials in Louisiana say the unidentified 65-year-old patient has been hospitalized, experiencing what has been described as a severe respiratory illness.  As of Wednesday evening, the patient, who has underlying medical conditions, was listed in critical condition.

The CDC says the Louisiana patient was exposed to sick and dead birds in backyard flocks, although an investigation into the source of the illness is ongoing.  If that proves to be true, this would be the first case of human bird flu in the U.S. connected to exposure to backyard flock.  Early data indicates this version of the virus is similar to human cases reported in Washington as well as Canada.

According to the CDC, there have been 61 reported human cases of bird flu reported nationwide since April.  Infections can range from no symptoms or mild illness, such as flu-like symptoms, to more severe illness, such as pneumonia that could require hospitalizations.  The CDC added no person-to-person transmission has been detected, and that the risk to the general public is low.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com