First Major U.S. Case of Avian Flu Confirmed by CDC
A person in Louisiana has become the first known serious case of avian flu in the United States, as reported by federal health authorities. The individual was hospitalized after contact with sick and dead birds from their home flock. The H5N1 virus responsible for the illness is genetically distinct from the strain affecting dairy cattle and has infected over 60 people in America. Despite concerns about mutations that could make the virus more dangerous, there is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission. The CDC is closely monitoring the situation and working with local officials to investigate the source of the infection.