US reports death of elderly man from new strain of bird flu

In Washington, an elderly man with chronic illnesses died of complications from infection with the H5N5 strain of avian influenza, the first known human case of the virus in nine months and only the second reported human death from the virus in the United States.

According to CNN, authorities warn that although this is an isolated case and the risk to the public remains low, they are monitoring the situation closely. The man had a flock in his backyard that tests confirmed had the virus. Contact with poultry is thus considered the most likely source of infection.

In the USA, 70 cases of avian influenza infection in humans have already been recorded since 2022, but most have had only mild symptoms. Both deaths to date have been in elderly persons with associated illnesses.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stresses the need for protection when in contact with animals and caution when handling bird droppings. The department recommends the common influenza vaccine, which, while it does not protect against bird flu, reduces the risk of double infection and potential mutation.

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