The Louisiana Department of Public Health announced on Monday that a patient who was hospitalized with bird flu has passed away from the illness.

This patient, marking the first recorded human death from bird flu (H5N1) in the United States, was over 65 years old and had existing health issues.

The individual became ill after coming into contact with both a backyard flock and wild birds, as stated in the health department’s news release. Additional details about the patient were not disclosed to maintain privacy.

According to the health department, there have been no other reported cases of bird flu transmission from either birds or the infected patient in Louisiana.

Currently, the public health risk to the general populace is considered low; however, those who work closely with birds, poultry, or livestock, or engage in recreational activities involving them, are at heightened risk. It is advisable to avoid close contact with wild birds and any potentially infected animals.

Bird flu has been spreading globally since 1997, mainly affecting wild birds until recent times.

This year, over 60 individuals in the U.S. have contracted the virus, but most cases have been mild, primarily presenting as conjunctivitis with red eyes. The patient in Louisiana experienced severe symptoms, likely due to their age and other health complications.

This individual was infected with a strain of the flu associated with wild birds, different from the strains found in dairy cows and most poultry operations. It’s still unknown whether this specific strain is more virulent or if the method of transmission influenced the severity of the illness. Most other infected individuals were farm workers who likely contracted the virus after touching their eyes following contact with sick animals.

Globally, bird flu has resulted in approximately 50% mortality among those infected.

If you suspect you have been exposed to bird flu from wild birds or infected livestock, the Louisiana Department of Public Health urges you to monitor for respiratory symptoms or red eyes indicative of conjunctivitis. Should these symptoms develop within ten days, contact your healthcare provider and inform them of your contact with sick animals. This will assist them in providing guidance on testing and treatment. It’s important to stay home and limit contact with others while experiencing symptoms.

The Louisiana Department of Public Health recommends the following precautions:

• Avoid touching sick or deceased animals, as well as their droppings. Do not bring wild animals into your home if they appear sick.
• Prevent pets from coming into contact with sick or dead animals and their feces.
• Refrain from consuming uncooked or undercooked foods. Ensure poultry, eggs, and other animal products are cooked to safe temperatures and avoid cross-contamination.
• Do not consume raw food products like unpasteurized milk or cheese from animals suspected or confirmed to be infected.
• If you work in poultry or dairy farms, discuss the possibility of getting your seasonal flu vaccination with your provider. While it does not protect against avian influenza viruses, it can lessen the risk of co-infection with both avian and standard flu viruses.
• Report any dead or sick birds or animals to the USDA at 1-866-536-7593.

(This story has been updated with additional information.)