The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed the first human death from H5N1 bird flu in the United States. The individual, who had been hospitalized with severe illness due to avian influenza A(H5N1), passed away in Louisiana.
While the death is tragic, it does not come as a surprise. H5N1 bird flu has long been known for its potential to cause severe illness and death in humans.
As of January 6, 2025, there have been 66 confirmed human cases of H5N1 bird flu in the United States since 2024, bringing the total number of cases to 67 since 2022.
Globally, more than 950 cases of H5N1 have been reported to the World Health Organization, with approximately half of those resulting in death.
The CDC has emphasized that the general risk to the public remains low, with no evidence of person-to-person transmission of the virus. Most human infections of H5N1 are linked to direct exposure to infected birds or other animals. The CDC continues to monitor the situation and has reported no significant changes in the virus that would raise concerns about human-to-human spread or increased severity.
Public health experts remain vigilant in tracking the virus, particularly in populations at higher risk, such as individuals with job-related or recreational exposure to infected animals. The CDC has provided resources on how to minimize the risk of infection for those in higher-risk groups.
At this time, the CDC is conducting active surveillance for H5N1 cases in collaboration with state and local partners, as well as closely monitoring for any changes in the virus that could indicate it is adapting to mammals. These changes would be closely scrutinized for potential impacts on human health, including whether the virus could become more transmissible or resistant to antiviral medications and vaccines.
While this death is the first reported in the U.S. due to H5N1 infection, the CDC continues to assert that the overall risk to the public remains low. Further updates and guidance will be provided as necessary.
“A small number of sporadic human cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) have been identified worldwide since 2022, amidst a panzootic of these viruses in wild birds and poultry,” according to a June 2024 technical report from the CDC. “Nearly all human cases reported globally since 2022 were associated with poultry exposures, and no cases of human-to-human transmission of HPAI A(H5N1) virus have been identified.”
“Three human cases of HPAI A(H5N1) virus infection in dairy farm workers were reported during April and May 2024 in the United States and were attributed to exposures to dairy cattle,” the technical report said. “One previous human case was detected in the United States in 2022 during poultry culling work. In a few cases, the source of exposure to HPAI A(H5N1) virus was unknown.”