CDC Confirms First U.S. Human Death from H5N1 Bird Flu: What You Need to Know About the Growing Threat
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed the first death in the United States linked to the H5N1 bird flu. The person, who was previously hospitalized with severe illness, passed away in Louisiana. While tragic, this event was not entirely unexpected given the known risks of H5N1 infections, which have caused severe illness and death in humans.
As of January 6, 2025, the U.S. has reported 66 confirmed human cases of H5N1 bird flu since 2024, bringing the total number of cases since 2022 to 67. Internationally, the World Health Organization has recorded over 950 cases, with approximately half of those resulting in death. Despite these numbers, the CDC continues to assert that the risk to the general public remains low, as there has been no evidence of human-to-human transmission.
The majority of H5N1 cases in the U.S. have been linked to direct exposure to infected animals, particularly wild birds and poultry. No concerning changes have been detected in the virus that would suggest it is becoming more easily transmissible between humans or causing more severe disease. However, those with job-related or recreational exposure to infected birds or other animals are at greater risk of contracting the virus.
To mitigate risk, the CDC has developed prevention guidelines and is working with state and local health partners to monitor for any changes in the virus. These efforts include surveillance for mutations that could make H5N1 more transmissible or resistant to current treatments and vaccines.
While the recent death in Louisiana serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by avian influenza, the CDC continues to emphasize that the public health threat remains minimal. The agency is actively investigating each case, collaborating with local authorities, and providing updated resources on how to protect against the virus.
For more information on H5N1 bird flu and preventative measures, visit the CDC’s website.
