The risk to the general population from H5N1 bird flu remains low, a World Health Organization spokesperson said on Tuesday, following the first death of a patient from the virus in the United States.

The first person to have a severe case of H5N1 bird flu in the United States has died, according to the Louisiana Department of Health.

The patient, who was older than 65 and had underlying medical conditions, was hospitalized Dec. 18 in critical condition with severe respiratory illness.

The deceased was over 65 and had other medical conditions, state officials said. A Louisiana patient who had been hospitalized with severe bird flu has died, the first such fatality in the United States, state health officials reported on Monday.

For influenza viruses, imperfection is a strength. They constantly mutate, producing new strains that challenge immune systems primed to fight earlier varieties. That’s what makes flu a life-long threat to humans and the animal species — mainly birds — that are vulnerable to it.

As the bird flu outbreak grows, egg prices soar and food recalls mount, consumers may be left wondering whether it's safe to have that morning omelet. The big picture: Yes, eggs sold at grocery stores remain safe for human consumption,

We’re hearing more about avian flu, which is widespread in wild birds worldwide. It’s been found around the country, and in Nevada over the years.