In 2024, at least 66 human cases of bird flu have been reported in the United States, each one raising the risk of another pandemic like COVID-19. So far, most cases have been described as “mild,” which means they weren't hospitalized.

Bird flu cases are on the rise in the U.S., and the CDC is on high alert. With 66 confirmed human cases so far, officials are watching closely for signs that the virus could mutate and spread more easily between people,

The first severe case of H5N1 bird flu was confirmed in Louisiana. Here is a map of other states that have been affected.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is keeping close eye on pandemic indicators amid bird flu cases arising in the United States.

The CDC has revealed the red flags it is monitoring for that suggest that bird flu was about to become the world's next pandemic.