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Reports published in early January seemed to suggest that the current outbreak of H5N1 (bird flu) is a new thing, but it’s not. It’s been around for years and has already killed people around the world.
Back in July 2024, H5N1 was showing a “sustained” spread within mammals, according to research cited by the Daily Caller. The World Health Organization (WHO) had already issued multiple warnings about the global outbreak, and all global health organizations have been well aware of it for years.
So why are we suddenly being told to fear this outbreak in the U.S.? (POPULAR POLL: Are You Trying A New Diet Or Eating Plan This Year?)
In early January, a Louisiana resident died after being hospitalized with bird flu, according to CBS News. “The patient was over the age of 65 and was reported to have underlying medical conditions,” the Louisiana health department said in a statement following the patient’s death.
Risk Remains Low
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) studied the situation and reported that the risk to the general public remains low. Person-to-person transmission has yet to be identified. It is believed the patient contracted the illness after being exposed to wild bird in their backyard.
Some 400 or so people are believed to have died from H5N1 since 2003. Only one other person in the U.S. has been hospitalized with the virus, but they were suffering from significant underlying conditions at the time. H5N1 was not the reason the patient was hospitalized. (POPULAR POLL: Do You Typically Make Financial Resolutions In January?)
There have been 66 reported human cases of the H5 strain of bird flu since 2023, including the Louisiana case. “While the current public health risk for the general public remains 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,” Louisiana’s health department noted.
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