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

The first patient hospitalized with avian influenza in the United States has died in Louisiana, the state's department of health announced Monday.

The first human death due to bird flu in the US has been reported in Louisiana, involving a patient over 65 with underlying conditions. The patient contracted H5N1 from exposure to backyard and wild birds.