The United States has confirmed its first known severe human infection of H5N1 bird flu, in a person in Louisiana believed to have contracted the virus through contact with sick or dead birds in a backyard flock.

Here’s what to know about the United States’ first confirmed severe case of H5N1 avian influenza—and how to protect yourself.

Louisiana reported a person hospitalized with a severe case of H5N1, and the USDA has begun bulk milk testing