Situation Report: First H5N1-Related Human Death in the U.S.

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Dr. Gavin Harris, a NETEC expert, infectious diseases and critical care physician at Emory University, and a lead for the Emory Serious Communicable Disease Program Project ECHO (Project Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes), shares three things you should know about the first H5N1-related human death in the U.S.

Louisiana Reports First H5N1-Related Human Death in U.S.

On January 6, 2025, the Louisiana Department of Health reported the unfortunate death of a patient after being hospitalized with severe avian influenza A(H5N1). This was the first case of severe H5N1 infection requiring critical care support in the U.S. and the second in North America. In the other case, a young adult from British Columbia, Canada, survived. No secondary person-to-person transmission was detected in either case.

Refer to the CDC website for the latest report on case numbers.

Genomic Sequencing of the Virus

The CDC analyzed specimens collected from the patient in Louisiana and confirmed it was the same variant that was detected in the severe case in British Columbia. The virus belongs to the D1.1 genotype, which is different than the B3.13 genotype circulating in dairy cows, poultry, and other animals, with occasional human cases. The analysis showed evidence of viral mutations that may have occurred during the course of illness and potentially contributed to severe disease.

Clinical Guidance for H5N1

The spectrum of disease for H5N1 can range from asymptomatic to severe multi-organ failure. Early supportive critical care, including extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation, or ECMO, may improve outcomes, and consideration of transfer to a tertiary medical center early in the course of illness is crucial. Implementing strict infection prevention measures is also vital when a case is suspected. Health care workers are advised to implement the identify, isolate, and inform algorithm vigilantly.

See the CDC’s Interim Recommendations for Prevention, Monitoring, and Public Health Investigations of H5N1.

Additional Resources for Health Care Personnel

NETEC has compiled resources for health care personnel on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (A)H5N1. This page includes recommended Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practices, lab considerations for testing individuals identified as high-risk, EMS guidance on transporting patients, and treatment and care options available for H5N1.