WHO Says Bird Flu Risk Remains Low After First H5N1 Death in US

‘We look at the risk to the general population and ... it still remains low,’ a spokesperson says.

This colorized electron microscope image released by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases on March 26, 2024, shows avian influenza A H5N1 virus particles (yellow), grown in Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) epithelial cells (blue). CDC/NIAID via AP

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Jan. 7 responded to the first H5N1 avian influenza death recorded in the United States, which was confirmed by officials in Louisiana the previous day.

The United Nations-led health body said Tuesday that bird flu poses a low risk to the general public in light of the individual’s death. The Louisiana Department of Health said that the person, who contracted the virus late last year and died this week, was over age 65, and was reported to have underlying health issues.