A 65-year-old woman, resident of Louisiana, passed away this Monday as the first person to die from H5N1 avian flu in the United States, raising awareness about the precautions against this disease.
Avian flu in the United States is occurring alongside seasonal flu, the latter of which has "very high" levels of patients.
Telemundo reported that the woman who died from avian flu is believed to have contracted the disease through contact with a flock of birds in a non-commercial coop with wild birds.
The Louisiana Department of Health did not provide the woman's identity out of respect for her medical privacy and her family. It emphasized that despite this death, the risk of infection and death is low.
Avian flu numbers in the United States and symptoms
Telemundo reported that according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been 66 confirmed cases of avian flu in humans in the United States in the last 10 months.
Most of the reported patients so far have had mild cases with coughing and sneezing.
Although the probability of contagion is low, the Department of Health invited people who work with birds to be vigilant for any symptoms, both in the animals and in themselves.
Mayo Clinic indicated that symptoms of bird flu in humans appear seven days after infection. People can get infected through direct contact with a sick animal, as well as through their feces or bedding.
Symptoms of avian flu in humans include fever, difficulty breathing, upset stomach, conjunctivitis, watery diarrhea, and vomiting.
The recommendation is to stay away from sick-looking birds and not to consume raw chicken and eggs, as well as to avoid drinking unpasteurized milk or cheese from places where there are sick birds. If you have symptoms, seek medical attention.