The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) has detected the first presumptive positive human case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or H5N1, in Louisiana. The individual is a resident of southwestern Louisiana and is currently hospitalized.
LDH’s Office of Public Health is coordinating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the epidemiologic investigation. The investigation identified that the individual had exposure to sick and dead birds that are suspected to have been infected with H5N1.
H5N1 is a type of influenza virus that causes highly infectious and severe respiratory disease in birds. In the United States, outbreaks of the currently circulating H5N1 avian influenza viruses in wild birds and poultry have been ongoing since 2022. As of December 13, 2024, 60 confirmed human cases of H5N1 have been reported across the U.S., with the majority linked to exposure to infected poultry or dairy cows. There has been no human-to-human virus transmission in the U.S. to date.
While the current public health risk for the general public is low, people who work with birds, poultry or cows, or have recreational exposure to them, are at higher risk.
The best way to protect yourself and your family from H5N1 is to avoid sources of exposure. That means avoiding direct contact with wild birds and other animals infected with or suspected to be infected with bird flu viruses.