(StraightShooterNews.com) – The first fatality from bird flu in the United States has now been confirmed, this time affecting the most vulnerable as an elderly person died in Louisiana after contracting the H5N1 strain.
The Louisiana Department of Health confirmed that an elderly resident over 65 years old with pre-existing health conditions died of the H5N1 bird flu virus. This incident marks a grim milestone in the fight against avian influenza.
The patient reportedly contracted the virus after exposure to a backyard flock and wild birds.
While health officials claimed there is no evidence of person-to-person transmission in the U.S., the patient’s virus samples showed mutations that could potentially make it easier to infect humans.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been quick to downplay the risk to the general public, but their assurances ring hollow in light of recent events.
With H5N1 detected in wild birds or poultry in every U.S. state, including Hawaii, the threat is far more widespread than officials are willing to admit.
Moreover, the government’s response to this crisis has been woefully inadequate. While California has declared a state of emergency due to the outbreak in dairy cattle, other states have yet to take similar decisive action.
Of particular concern is the impact on food supplies. With H5N1 affecting poultry and dairy cattle, American farmers and ranchers are at risk of losing their livelihoods.
The potential for widespread culling of infected animals could lead to food shortages and price hikes, further burdening hardworking American families already struggling with inflation.
“The evolution of the virus is concerning but highlights how we need to prevent each possible spillover infection to reduce the risk of onward transmission to others,” microbiologist and immunologist, Dr. Seema Lakdawala, stated.
Although symptoms typically mimic flu-like reactions and clear up within days, fatalities like this underscore the need to remain cautious and prudent.
Public health measures, including the deployment of antivirals like Tamiflu, are vital tools in the arsenal against the virus.
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