The first severe human case of bird flu in the United States was confirmed by the U.S. Centers for Disease and Control on Wednesday (December 18).
A Louisiana resident reported to be over the age of 65 with underlying medical conditions was infected with H5N1 and hospitalized, according to Emma Herrock, a spokeswoman for the Louisiana Health Department, via NBC News.
“The patient is experiencing severe respiratory illness related to H5N1 infection and is currently hospitalized in critical condition,” Herrock said.
The patient is suspected to have been exposed to the virus from a backyard flock, which would mark the first of such an incident involving a U.S. resident.
“While an investigation into the source of this infection in Louisiana is ongoing, it is believed that the patient that was reported by Louisiana had exposure to sick or dead birds on their property,” said Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, during a briefing Wednesday via NBC News.
The case was initially reported as a presumptive positive by Louisiana officials on Friday (December 13) before later being confirmed by CDC laboratory testing. Daskalakis confirmed that the CDC had an ongoing investigation into the patient's contacts for exposure and would offer any necessary testing or antiviral medication in relation to the infection.