Louisiana patient with bird flu shows virus mutations raising human transmission concerns

A Louisiana patient hospitalized with severe bird flu has been found to have a mutated version of the H5N1 virus, according to the CDC. This mutation raises concerns about potential human-to-human transmission. The CDC's analysis revealed that the mutations occurred after the patient was infected, as they were not present in samples from local birds. Despite this, the CDC states the overall risk to the public remains low. Health officials recommend ongoing monitoring of the virus in both humans and animals. They emphasize the importance of controlling bird flu outbreaks in livestock to prevent further mutations and potential spread.