State health officials report first death from bird flu

The Louisiana Department of Health reports that the patient hospitalized with the first human case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or H5N1, in Louisiana and the United States has died.

The patient was over 65 years of age and was reported to have underlying medical conditions; they contracted H5N1 after exposure to a combination of a non-commercial backyard flock and wild birds, officials say.

LDH’s comprehensive public health investigation has not identified additional H5N1 cases or evidence of person-to-person transmission. This patient remains the only human case of H5N1 in Louisiana.

“The department extends its deepest sympathies to the patient’s family and friends as they grieve the loss of their loved one. Out of patient confidentiality and out of respect for the family, this will be the last update on the patient,” it said in a statement. “While the current public health risk to the general public remains low, people who work with birds, poultry or cows, or who have recreational exposure to them, are at higher risk.”

Here’s what state health officials say about protecting yourself from H5N1:

The best way to protect yourself and your family from H5N1 is to avoid sources of exposure. This means avoiding direct contact with wild birds and other animals infected with or suspected of being infected with avian influenza virus.

Protecting yourself and others from H5N1 infection:

• Do not touch sick or dead animals or their droppings, and do not bring sick wild animals into your home.
• Keep your pets away from sick or dead animals and their feces.
• Do not eat uncooked or undercooked food. Cook poultry, eggs and other animal products to the correct temperature and prevent cross-contamination between raw and cooked food.
• Avoid uncooked foods such as unpasteurized raw milk or cheeses from animals that have a suspected or confirmed infection.
• If you work on poultry or dairy farms, talk to your provider about getting your seasonal flu shot. It will not prevent infection with avian influenza virus, but it may reduce the risk of co-infection with avian influenza virus.
• Report dead or sick birds or animals to the USDA toll-free at 1-866-536-7593 or the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Diagnostic Lab at 318-927-3441.

If you have been exposed to sick or dead birds or other animals, or work on a farm where bird flu has been detected, watch for respiratory symptoms or conjunctivitis. If you develop symptoms within 10 days of exposure to sick or dead animals, tell your doctor that you have been in contact with sick animals and are concerned about bird flu. This will help them give you appropriate advice about testing and treatment. Stay home and away from others while you have symptoms.