United States - April 29, 2024 The first bird-flu related death has been reported in the US, according to the Louisiana department of health, where the death occurred. The patient had been taken to hospital after contracting a major strain of bird flu, known as H5N1. Louisiana health department said they were over the age of 65, and had other underlying health conditions. It said their public health investigation had not found evidence of person-to-person transmission, or any other cases. Bird flu is a disease caused by a virus that infects birds and sometimes other animals, such as foxes, seals and otters. In very rare cases, it can also infect humans. The state's health department added the person had contracted bird flu after being exposed to a personal flock of birds and wild birds. "While the current public health risk for the general public remains low, people who work with birds, poultry or cows, or have recreational exposure to them, are at higher risk," it said. With images by PDX Aviation.