An elderly patient in Louisiana is in critical condition with severe avian influenza, the first serious human case in the United States during the 2024 outbreak. This brings the total number of infections to 61, with California declaring an emergency. The patient was exposed to sick and dead birds and is now hospitalized. Concerns are mounting as the virus has the potential to cause severe illness and even death. Genetic sequencing revealed the virus belongs to a specific genotype, with concerns over human-to-human transmission. The US has stockpiled vaccines and promising results were found in an experimental vaccine, but uncertainties remain about the incoming administration’s response.
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First severe bird flu case in US sparks alarm
