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Media Statement For Immediate Release Wednesday, December 18, 2024, Contact: CDC Media Relations  (404) 639-3286               CDC Confirms First Severe Case of H5N1 Bird Flu in the United States     December 18, 2024-- A patient has been hospitalized with a severe case of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus (“H5N1 bird flu”) infection in Louisiana. This marks the first instance of severe illness linked to the virus in the United States. The case was confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday, December 13. Since April 2024, there have been a total of 61 reported human cases of H5 bird flu reported in the United States.   Partial viral genome data of the H5N1 avian influenza virus that infected the patient in Louisiana indicates that the virus belongs to the D1.1 genotype related to other D1.1 viruses recently detected in wild birds and poultry in the United States and in recent human cases in British Columbia, Canada, and Washington state. This H5N1 bird flu genotype is different than the B3.13 genotype detected in dairy cows, sporadic human cases in multiple states, and some poultry outbreaks in the United States. Additional genomic sequencing and efforts to isolate virus from clinical specimens from the patient in Louisiana are underway at CDC.   While an investigation into the source of the infection in Louisiana is ongoing, it has been determined that the patient had exposure to sick and dead birds in backyard flocks. This is the first case of H5N1 bird flu in the U.S. that has been linked to exposure to a backyard flock. A sporadic case of severe H5N1 bird flu illness in a person is not unexpected; avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection has previously been associated with severe human illness in other countries during 2024 and prior years, including illness resulting in death. No person-to-person spread of H5 bird flu has been detected. This case does not change CDC’s overall assessment of the immediate risk to the public’s health from H5N1 bird flu, which remains low.   This case underscores that, in addition to affected commercial poultry and dairy operations, wild birds and backyard flocks also can be a source of exposure. People with work or recreational exposures to infected animals are at higher risk of infection and should follow CDC’s recommended precautions when around animals that are infected or potentially infected with H5N1 avian influenza virus. This means that backyard flock owners, hunters and other bird enthusiasts should also take precautions.   The best way to prevent H5 bird flu is to avoid exposure whenever possible. Infected birds shed avian influenza A viruses in their saliva, mucous, and feces. Other infected animals may shed avian influenza A viruses in respiratory secretions and other bodily fluids (e.g., in unpasteurized cow milk or ‘raw milk’).   As a general precaution, whenever possible, people should avoid contact with sick or dead animals, in particular wild birds, and poultry. For individuals with direct/close contact with wild birds or sick or dead poultry or other animals, wearrecommended personal protective equipment (PPE). Wild birds can be infected with avian influenza A viruses even if they don't look sick. Do not touch surfaces or materials (e.g., animal litter or bedding material) contaminated with saliva, mucous, or animal feces from wild or domestic birds or other animals with confirmed or suspected avian influenza A virus infection.   For more information on H5 bird flu in the U.S. and CDC’s response, including regularly updated case counts, visit theH5 Bird Flu: Current Situation page.

December 18, 2024-- A patient has been hospitalized with a severe case of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus (“H5N1 bird flu”) infection in Louisiana. This marks the first instance of severe illness linked to the virus in the United States. The case was confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday, December 13. Since April 2024, there have been a total of 61 reported human cases of H5 bird flu reported in the United States.   Partial viral genome data of the H5N1 avian influenza virus that infected the patient in Louisiana indicates that the virus belongs to the D1.1 genotype related to other D1.1 viruses recently detected in wild birds and poultry in the United States and in recent human cases in British Columbia, Canada, and Washington state.   https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/m1218-h5n1-flu.html

https://www.euronews.com/health/2024/12/10/eu-commission-adopts-wait-and-see-approach-with-mystery-congo-virus

Two cats suspected of contracting H5 bird flu die after drinking recalled raw milk LA County Public health urges people to avoid consuming raw milk or feeding it to pets By Benjamin Gamson • Published 14 seconds ago   Getty Images Raw milk from Raw Farm is displayed for sale at a grocery store on November 29, 2024 in Torrance, California. Certain lots of the Fresno-based Raw Farm cream top, whole raw milk have been recalled by California public health and agriculture authorities amid ongoing concerns about possible H5N1 bird flu infections amont the farm’s cattle. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images) Two cats have died after being suspected of contracting H5 bird flu after drinking raw milk that had been recalled, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health announced Thursday.  “The risk of H5 bird flu remains low in Los Angeles County, but this suspected case of the virus in a pet cat that consumed raw milk is a reminder that consuming raw dairy products can lead to severe illness in cats," said Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.  Both cats died after drinking the raw milk from Raw Farm, LLC that had been recalled on Dec. 4.  People who were in contact with the cats are currently being monitored but no cases of bird flu in humans have been reported yet.  “To avoid the spread of disease, including H5 bird flu, we strongly encourage residents and their pets to avoid raw dairy and undercooked meat products, limit contact with sick or dead animals, report sick or dead birds and keep pets or poultry away from wild animals and birds,” said Ferrer. https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/two-suspected-of-contracting-h5-bird-flu-die-after-drinking-recalled-raw-milk/3581842/

Cats die after drinking recalled raw milk In a statement, Los Angeles County health officials said the two cats developed symptoms after consuming milk from Raw Farms. Their symptoms included appetite loss, fever, and neurologic signs. Both died after their symptoms worsened. Testing revealed influenza A, which is rare in cats. Officials said the cases are considered suspected H5 avian flu cases and that confirmation tests will be done. Officials noted that, in earlier US dairy farm outbreaks, cats were known to be infected after drinking raw milk from infected cows. People exposed to the sick cats are under monitoring and have been offered antiviral prophylaxis (prevention). When raw milk from Raw Farms was recalled following positive tests from product on retail shelves, officials urged people to avoid drinking raw milk or giving it to their pets. Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, LA County public health director, said, the cases are a reminder that the virus can cause severe disease in cats. "To avoid the spread of disease, including H5 bird flu, we strongly encourage residents and their pets to avoid raw dairy and undercooked meat products, limit contact with sick or dead animals, report sick or dead birds and keep pets or poultry away from wild animals and birds." https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/avian-influenza-bird-flu/avian-flu-suspected-cats-drank-raw-milk-virus-kills-animals-arizona-zoo