In 2022, the United States confirmed bird flu infection in one person. It was the first human case in the nation. There were no additional U.S. cases until a highly contagious strain of the H5N1 bird flu spawned 65 confirmed human cases. The first severe case was recently confirmed in Louisiana, where a patient remains critically ill. Experts in infectious diseases are voicing concern, calling the federal government’s response sluggish.

To date, no transmission between humans has been confirmed. Those who have fallen ill have had close contact with infected poultry or dairy cattle. However, this may not always be the case. Experts indicate the virus may be mutating to better spread among humans.

Read more on the evolving situation here.