The United States faces intensifying challenges in its battle against avian influenza A(H5N1) as federal health officials confirm the nation’s first severe human case in Louisiana, while California declares a state of emergency amid expanding outbreaks in dairy cattle. Critical Developments The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed Wednesday that a patient over 65 years old with underlying medical conditions has been hospitalized in Louisiana with severe respiratory illness. The patient, now in critical condition, contracted the virus after exposure to sick and dead birds in backyard flocks – marking the first such case linked to non-commercial poultry … Continue reading First Severe U.S. H5N1 Case; California Declares Emergency