California declares state of emergency over first severe bird flu case in Louisiana

A Louisiana resident has become the first person in the U.S. to develop a severe bird flu infection, prompting California to declare a state of emergency to combat the spreading virus.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed Wednesday that the patient, who had contact with an infected backyard flock, is now in critical condition. 

This case marks a significant development in monitoring H5N1 cases across the country, as previous infections have typically resulted in mild or no symptoms.

The case emerged during growing anxiety about the virus's spread through American dairy farms.

Since the first infections were detected in Texas and Kansas cattle in March, the disease has reached 16 states and affects livestock and wild birds.

Health officials have documented 61 human cases of H5N1 in the U.S. since April, though most have been mild.

California Governor Gavin Newsom's emergency declaration aims to support the state's response.

"This proclamation is a targeted action to ensure government agencies have the resources and flexibility they need to respond quickly to this outbreak," said Newsom in a statement.

Newsom pointed out that California has the nation's largest testing and monitoring system for the virus.

The Louisiana case shares genetic similarities with recent infections across North America.

The CDC reported that genome sequencing identified the virus as belonging to the D1.1 genotype, which matches strains found in both U.S. poultry and a human case in British Columbia.

The Canadian teenager who contracted the virus within Canada represents another severe case of human infection.

The Public Health Agency of Canada confirmed the case on November 3, and as of November 25, the patient remains in critical condition.

Despite these developments, health experts emphasize that human-to-human transmission of H5N1 remains rare, with no evidence of spread between people. 

Most infections occur through direct contact with infected birds or farm animals.

While the virus has affected dairy operations across multiple U.S. states, Canadian dairy farms have thus far remained unaffected. 

The U.S. and Canadian health authorities maintain that the overall risk to public health remains low, though they continue to monitor the situation closely.