A patient in the United States, who had been hospitalized due to H5N1 avian influenza, has unfortunately passed away, as reported by the Louisiana Department of Health on Monday. This incident marks the first confirmed human fatality linked to the H5N1 virus in the country.
The deceased, a man over the age of 65, had been receiving medical care in a hospital in Louisiana since at least mid-December. This was when the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified the case as the first serious human infection with the H5N1 virus in the nation.
In a statement following the announcement of the patient's death, the Louisiana Department of Health emphasized that while the overall risk to the public remains low, individuals who are in contact with birds, poultry, or cattle, or who engage in recreational activities involving these animals, face a heightened risk of exposure to the virus.
To mitigate the risk of H5N1 infection, it is crucial for individuals to avoid potential sources of exposure. This includes steering clear of direct contact with wild birds and any animals suspected of being infected with the avian influenza virus.
Guidelines for Protection Against H5N1 Infection:
-
Avoid Contact with Sick or Dead Animals: Do not handle animals that are ill or deceased, nor should you come into contact with their droppings. Additionally, refrain from bringing sick wild animals into your home.
-
Keep Pets Away: Ensure that your pets do not come into contact with sick or dead animals, as well as their feces.
-
Cook Food Properly: Avoid consuming raw or undercooked food. It is essential to cook poultry, eggs, and other animal products to the appropriate temperatures to prevent cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods.
-
Stay Clear of Unpasteurized Products: Avoid consuming unpasteurized raw milk or cheeses derived from animals that are suspected or confirmed to be infected with avian influenza.
-
Vaccination for Farm Workers: If you are employed on poultry or dairy farms, consider discussing the seasonal flu vaccine with your healthcare provider. While it does not prevent avian influenza, it can lower the risk of co-infection with both avian and seasonal flu viruses.
-
Report Sick or Dead Animals: If you encounter dead or sick birds or animals, report them immediately to the USDA at 1-866-536-7593 or to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Diagnostic Lab at 318-927-3441.
-
Monitor Symptoms: If you have had exposure to sick or dead birds or were working on a farm where avian influenza was detected, be vigilant for respiratory symptoms or conjunctivitis. Should you develop any symptoms within 10 days following exposure, promptly inform your healthcare provider about your contact with sick animals. This information will assist them in providing the appropriate guidance regarding testing and treatment. While symptomatic, it is advisable to remain at home and avoid contact with others.
"This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the warnings experts have been voicing for months: H5N1 is a lethal virus," stated Jennifer Nuzzo, an epidemiologist and director of the Pandemic Center at Brown University’s School of Public Health.
Gail Hansen, a veterinary and public health consultant, expressed her concerns, saying, "I regret that it takes a death to awaken us to this issue. However, if this incident prompts a more serious examination of avian influenza as a public health concern, then perhaps it can serve a greater purpose."
Zainab Y.
Also on site :