Authorities have confirmed the first human death in the United States caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or H5N1. The announcement was made by the Louisiana Department of Health on Monday, Jan. 6. The patient, a man over 65 with underlying health conditions, was hospitalized before succumbing to the illness after exposure to a non-commercial backyard flock and wild birds. The Louisiana Department of Health said it has conducted a public health investigation and found no additional cases or evidence of person-to-person transmission. The department extended condolences to the patient’s family and stated this will be the final update...