Louisiana confirms 1st human death in US from bird flu

HAMILTON, Canada

US health officials in Louisiana on Monday confirmed the first human death caused by bird flu, also known as H5N1.

"The patient was over the age of 65 and was reported to have underlying medical conditions. The patient contracted H5N1 after exposure to a combination of a non-commercial backyard flock and wild birds," said a statement by the Louisiana Department of Health.

The individual was hospitalized and succumbed to the illness despite medical care.

It is the first and only human case of bird flu reported in Louisiana or the US.

While expressing its condolences to the patient’s family, the Louisiana Department of Health assured the public that the risk of bird flu spreading among people remains very low.

However, people who work with birds, poultry or farm animals or those who spend time in areas where wild birds live are at greater risk of infection.