Bird flu surges in several US states with reports of new outbreaks: 'Getting worse'

With more human cases of H5N1 being identified, Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel offers thoughts on mutating strains, stockpiled vaccines and why people shouldn't panic. Avian influenza A (H5N1), commonly known as bird flu , continues to make its way through the U.

S., as Hawaii joins the list of affected states. The Hawaiian Department of Agriculture (HDOA) reported last week that bird flu was confirmed in a backyard flock of various birds in Central Oahu.

At least 10 birds — including ducks, geese and a zebra dove — were reported dead on the property on Nov. 12 and were then sent for confirmatory testing. BIRD FLU LEAVES TEEN IN CRITICAL CONDITION AFTER COUNTRY'S FIRST REPORTED CASE The department stated in a press release that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) causes "severe illness with a high mortality rate among affected birds.

" At least 10 birds infected with bird flu were reported dead in Oahu, Hawaii. (iStock) The presence of bird flu was detected through the National Wastewater Surveillance System, marking the first confirmed detection in Hawaii. The HDOA has issued a quarantine order for the site of infection, requiring all birds on the property to be "depopulated and the premises cleaned and disinfected.

" FIRST CASE OF HUMAN BIRD FLU DIAGNOSED WITHOUT EXPOSURE TO INFECTED ANIMALS, CDC SAYS It is confirmed to be the same strain that has infected dairy cows and domestic poultry in U.S. mainland states, including California.

As of Nov. 18, Ca.