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Dominique Pelicot was found guilty by a French court of five judges on Thursday (Dec 19) of drugging and the mass rape of his then-wife Gisèle Pelicot.

The 72-year-old man has been handed the maximum sentence of&nbsp;20 years in prison for his charges. He had been accused of&nbsp;repeatedly raping and enlisting strangers to abuse his heavily sedated wife for over a decade.

Pelicot was also found guilty of the attempted aggravated rape of the wife of one of the co-accused, Jean Pierre Marechal, Cillia, and taking indecent images of his daughter, Caroline, and his daughters-in-law, Aurore and Celine.

As the verdict was announced,&nbsp;Dominique&nbsp;bent down and started&nbsp;crying in court.

Watch:&nbsp;France: Mass rape shocks nation, support pours in for survivor Gisele 
&nbsp;

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Apart from Dominique, all 50&nbsp;other men&nbsp;have also been&nbsp;found guilty of the charges against them, including some who pleaded not guilty. However, some of them were given shorter sentence periods than what was asked by the prosecutors.&nbsp;

For instance, Jacques C. has been awarded a 5-year suspended prison sentence, allowing him to walk free today itself. As the judges read out the judgment, some gasps could be heard inside the courtroom.&nbsp;

Cyrille D, Lionel R and Boris M were given just eight years behind bars, although the prosecutors had asked for a 12-year jail term. Another defendant, named Redouan A. was found guilty, but the judge reduced his sentence owing to his diagnosis as schizophrenic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjU8qqDzrOKAxWpTmwGHRSrFnMQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-mass-rape-case-accused-man-a-father-of-three-admits-to-sexual-assault-of-gisele-pelicot-760285" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/france-mass-rape-case-accused-man-a-father-of-three-admits-to-sexual-assault-of-gisele-pelicot-760285&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjU8qqDzrOKAxWpTmwGHRSrFnMQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">France mass rape case: Accused man, a father of three, admits to sexual assault of Gisele Pelicot</a>

At least five of the accused won't be sent to prison immediately owing to their bad health. “Several of the convicted men will not be taken to prison immediately because of their health. A few more days of freedom while we find a suitable prison,” Presiding Judge Roger Arata said.

On the other hand, some of the accused were given harsher sentences spanning over a decade. Romain V., who visited the Pelicot house six times, was awarded a 15-year prison sentence. Charly A., who also visited six times, was given 13 years.

(With inputs from agencies)

Dominique Pelicot was found guilty by a French court of five judges on Thursday (Dec 19) of drugging and the mass rape of his then-wife Gisèle Pelicot. The 72-year-old man has been handed the maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for his charges.

Dominique Pelicot was found guilty by a French court of five judges on Thursday (Dec 19) of drugging and the mass rape of his then-wife Gisèle Pelicot. The 72-year-old man has been handed the maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for his charges. He had been accused of repeatedly raping and enlisting strangers to abuse his heavily sedated wife for over a decade. Pelicot was also found guilty of the attempted aggravated rape of the wife of one of the co-accused, Jean Pierre Marechal, Cillia, and taking indecent images of his daughter, Caroline, and his daughters-in-law, Aurore and Celine. As the verdict was announced, Dominique bent down and started crying in court. Watch: France: Mass rape shocks nation, support pours in for survivor Gisele × Apart from Dominique, all 50 other men have also been found guilty of the charges against them, including some who pleaded not guilty. However, some of them were given shorter sentence periods than what was asked by the prosecutors. For instance, Jacques C. has been awarded a 5-year suspended prison sentence, allowing him to walk free today itself. As the judges read out the judgment, some gasps could be heard inside the courtroom. Cyrille D, Lionel R and Boris M were given just eight years behind bars, although the prosecutors had asked for a 12-year jail term. Another defendant, named Redouan A. was found guilty, but the judge reduced his sentence owing to his diagnosis as schizophrenic. Also read: France mass rape case: Accused man, a father of three, admits to sexual assault of Gisele Pelicot At least five of the accused won't be sent to prison immediately owing to their bad health. “Several of the convicted men will not be taken to prison immediately because of their health. A few more days of freedom while we find a suitable prison,” Presiding Judge Roger Arata said. On the other hand, some of the accused were given harsher sentences spanning over a decade. Romain V., who visited the Pelicot house six times, was awarded a 15-year prison sentence. Charly A., who also visited six times, was given 13 years. (With inputs from agencies)

France mass rape trial: Dominique Pelicot found guilty, sentenced to 20 years in prison

League Cup: Holder Liverpool progresses to semis after win at Southampton. Watch in for more details!

Liverpool Beat Southampton 2-1

Major US weapons manufacturers including Boeing and Lockheed Martin, along with Europe's Airbus and Chinese firms, put their wares on show at an arms fair in Hanoi Thursday as Vietnam looks to diversify its defence supplies away from Russia.

A US Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt attack aircraft and a C-130 Super Hercules transport were on the tarmac at Hanoi's Gia Lam military airfield for the event.

Thousands of people attended including hundreds of uniformed Vietnamese soldiers, some of whom posed for selfies with US troops, ahead of next year's 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.

The defence expo featured Chinese firms for the first time, including major state-owned defence conglomerate Norinco, or China North Industries Corporation.

Successive Vietnamese governments have been heavily reliant on arms supplied by Russia for decades.

The country accounted for more than 80 percent of Vietnam's arms imports between 1995 and 2023, according to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).&nbsp;

But imports from Russia have dropped off in recent years amid international sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine.

"The war in Ukraine has exposed the vulnerabilities of relying too heavily on Russian arms," said Nguyen Khac Giang, a visiting fellow at the ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiivpWu1LOKAxU9TGwGHXi1IXgQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-man-arrested-for-flying-drone-over-us-military-base-783463" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-man-arrested-for-flying-drone-over-us-military-base-783463&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiivpWu1LOKAxU9TGwGHXi1IXgQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">Chinese man arrested for flying drone over US military base</a>

"Diversification isn't just a necessity, it's an opportunity for Vietnam to upgrade to more advanced systems while reducing dependence on any single partner," Giang said.

"The expo is Vietnam's way of signalling it's open to new partnerships."

Boeing and Lockheed Martin were among 14 American companies at the fair, while two exhibitors were Chinese and others were from Germany, Iran, Israel and Ukraine, as well as Russia.

As well as aircraft, they put on display tanks, missiles, drones, firearms and radar systems, including by several Vietnamese firms.

At the opening ceremony, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh described the expo as "delivering a message of peace, cooperation, and shared development".

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience. 
&nbsp;

Major US weapons manufacturers including Boeing and Lockheed Martin, along with Europe's Airbus and Chinese firms, put their wares on show at an arms fair in Hanoi Thursday as Vietnam looks to diversify its defence supplies away from Russia.

Major US weapons manufacturers including Boeing and Lockheed Martin, along with Europe's Airbus and Chinese firms, put their wares on show at an arms fair in Hanoi Thursday as Vietnam looks to diversify its defence supplies away from Russia. A US Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt attack aircraft and a C-130 Super Hercules transport were on the tarmac at Hanoi's Gia Lam military airfield for the event. Thousands of people attended including hundreds of uniformed Vietnamese soldiers, some of whom posed for selfies with US troops, ahead of next year's 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. The defence expo featured Chinese firms for the first time, including major state-owned defence conglomerate Norinco, or China North Industries Corporation. Successive Vietnamese governments have been heavily reliant on arms supplied by Russia for decades. The country accounted for more than 80 percent of Vietnam's arms imports between 1995 and 2023, according to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). But imports from Russia have dropped off in recent years amid international sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine. "The war in Ukraine has exposed the vulnerabilities of relying too heavily on Russian arms," said Nguyen Khac Giang, a visiting fellow at the ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore. Also read: Chinese man arrested for flying drone over US military base "Diversification isn't just a necessity, it's an opportunity for Vietnam to upgrade to more advanced systems while reducing dependence on any single partner," Giang said. "The expo is Vietnam's way of signalling it's open to new partnerships." Boeing and Lockheed Martin were among 14 American companies at the fair, while two exhibitors were Chinese and others were from Germany, Iran, Israel and Ukraine, as well as Russia. As well as aircraft, they put on display tanks, missiles, drones, firearms and radar systems, including by several Vietnamese firms. At the opening ceremony, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh described the expo as "delivering a message of peace, cooperation, and shared development". Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

US, European, Chinese firms seeking drawing Vietnam arms deals from Russia

Joy turned into mourning in Southwestern Nigeria after a deadly stampede at a holiday fun fair claimed the lives of more than 20 children. The event was organized at a high school in Basurin, near Lagos. Following the stampede, injured children were rushed to local hospitals, and parents were asked to check for missing persons. Watch in for more details!

Nigerian Funfair Stampede Claims Lives Of Over 20 Children

Britain is said to be emerging as the “Western capital” of Sharia Courts, where men are allowed to end their marriages just by uttering the word "divorce" thrice.&nbsp;

In an investigation carried out by The Times, it was discovered that polygamy has been normalised and there is an application in which Islamic wills can be created by Muslims living in England and Wales.&nbsp;

The application has a drop-down menu in which the men fill in how many wives they have, which generally ranges between one and four.&nbsp;

The Sharia court has approved this application, which gives daughters half of the amount of inheritance that is given to the sons.&nbsp;

There are 85 operational Sharia courts or councils in Britain. The first such court was first established in the country in 1982.

Across Europe and North America, a lot of Muslims are seen to be going to these Sharia courts in Britain that work like informal organisations and issue religious rulings on family life and marriage, reported The Times.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-delays-hijab-law-president-calls-it-ambiguous-and-in-need-of-reform-784612">Iran delays hijab law, president calls it 'ambiguous and in need&nbsp;of&nbsp;reform'</a>

As per the report, around 100,000 Islamic marriages have been conducted in the country that are not registered officially with the civil authorities.

Theologian and Professor Mona Siddiqui, in an official review, said that Sharia was defined as jurisprudence on the basis of the opinions expressed by jurists in the classical period of Islam, which is from the 7th century till the 13th century.

Most Muslim countries have modified various aspects of Sharia, however, in the case of marriage and divorce, they have generally observed the classical rulings.&nbsp;

<h2>Experts and women raise concerns over Sharia courts</h2>

The National Secular Society expressed their concern over the existence of such parallel legal systems in Britain.

Society's chief executive Stephen Evans issued a warning that such councils "undermine the principle of one law for all" and the rights of women and children are negatively impacted.&nbsp;

"It should be remembered that Sharia councils only exist because Muslim women need them to obtain a religious divorce. Muslim men do not need them because they can unilaterally divorce their wife," Evans said.

Watch:&nbsp;Iran Pauses Crackdown On Strict Hijab Laws Amid Ongoing Protests

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-pauses-crackdown-on-strict-hijab-laws-amid-ongoing-protests-784639/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, women complained that religious texts were being used to control them and hadiths were being quoted by men to force their wives into sexual relations. 
&nbsp; 
A woman said that an elder had also suggested that she should enter a religiously sanctioned "pleasure marriage".

Radical preacher&nbsp;Haitham al-Haddad, who founded one such court, in an online lecture in 2009 said, “A man should not be questioned why he hit his wife because this is something between them. Leave them alone. They can sort out their matters among themselves.”

Speaking to The Times, Haddad said that he does not preach not questioning men for beating their wives but only explains why marriages should be preserved.

(With inputs from agencies)

Britain is said to be emerging as the “Western capital” of Sharia Courts, where men are allowed to end their marriages just by uttering the word "divorce" thrice.

Britain is said to be emerging as the “Western capital” of Sharia Courts, where men are allowed to end their marriages just by uttering the word "divorce" thrice. In an investigation carried out by The Times, it was discovered that polygamy has been normalised and there is an application in which Islamic wills can be created by Muslims living in England and Wales. The application has a drop-down menu in which the men fill in how many wives they have, which generally ranges between one and four. The Sharia court has approved this application, which gives daughters half of the amount of inheritance that is given to the sons. There are 85 operational Sharia courts or councils in Britain. The first such court was first established in the country in 1982. Across Europe and North America, a lot of Muslims are seen to be going to these Sharia courts in Britain that work like informal organisations and issue religious rulings on family life and marriage, reported The Times. Also Read: Iran delays hijab law, president calls it 'ambiguous and in need of reform' As per the report, around 100,000 Islamic marriages have been conducted in the country that are not registered officially with the civil authorities. Theologian and Professor Mona Siddiqui, in an official review, said that Sharia was defined as jurisprudence on the basis of the opinions expressed by jurists in the classical period of Islam, which is from the 7th century till the 13th century. Most Muslim countries have modified various aspects of Sharia, however, in the case of marriage and divorce, they have generally observed the classical rulings. Experts and women raise concerns over Sharia courts The National Secular Society expressed their concern over the existence of such parallel legal systems in Britain. Society's chief executive Stephen Evans issued a warning that such councils "undermine the principle of one law for all" and the rights of women and children are negatively impacted. "It should be remembered that Sharia councils only exist because Muslim women need them to obtain a religious divorce. Muslim men do not need them because they can unilaterally divorce their wife," Evans said. Watch: Iran Pauses Crackdown On Strict Hijab Laws Amid Ongoing Protests Meanwhile, women complained that religious texts were being used to control them and hadiths were being quoted by men to force their wives into sexual relations. A woman said that an elder had also suggested that she should enter a religiously sanctioned "pleasure marriage". Radical preacher Haitham al-Haddad, who founded one such court, in an online lecture in 2009 said, “A man should not be questioned why he hit his wife because this is something between them. Leave them alone. They can sort out their matters among themselves.” Speaking to The Times, Haddad said that he does not preach not questioning men for beating their wives but only explains why marriages should be preserved. (With inputs from agencies)

Britain has 85 operational Sharia courts. Has it become 'western capital' of Islamic councils?

Russian president holds annual press meet says in Ukraine we are moving towards reaching our goal. Watch in for more details!

Russian President Holds Annual Press Meet Says In Ukraine We Are Moving Towards Reaching Our Goal

A New York resident who prosecutors say operated a "secret police station" in the Chinatown district of Manhattan to aid Beijing's targeting of dissidents pleaded guilty on Wednesday to conspiring to act as an unregistered foreign agent.

New York Man Ran Secret Chinese Police Station

Russian president holds annual press meet. Watch in for more details!

Russian President Holds Annual Press Meet

Two former Guantanamo Bay detainees have been returned to Malaysia after years of detention. The move comes as part of ongoing efforts to close the controversial detention facility.

Two Guantanamo Detainees Back In Malaysia

A resident from Manhattan pleaded guilty to setting up a secret police station for the Chinese government in New York City.

60-year-old Chen Jinping entered the guilty plea on a single count of conspiracy for acting as a foreign government's agent in Brooklyn federal court on Wednesday (Dec 18).

The US Department of Justice's Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen said Chen had admitted in court to his role in “audaciously establishing an undeclared police station” in Manhattan and made an attempt to conceal his efforts when the FBI approached him.&nbsp;

“This illegal police station was not opened in the interest of public safety, but to further the nefarious and repressive aims of the PRC in direct violation of American sovereignty,” Olsen said in a statement while making reference to the People’s Republic of China.

According to prosecutors, a local branch of China’s Ministry of Public Security was opened by Chen and his co-defendant Lu Jianwang in Manhattan’s Chinatown neighbourhood in 2022.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/satellite-images-show-china-has-built-villages-near-bhutans-doklam-report-785020">Satellite images show China has built villages near Bhutan's Doklam: Report</a>

The office provided basic services, such as helping Chinese citizens renew their driving licenses. When the FBI launched an investigation into their office, all phone communications with a Chinese government official were deleted by the two.

Chen accepted that he had destroyed evidence that proved his correspondence with Chinese government officials.&nbsp;

“This illegal police station was not opened in the interest of public safety, but to further the nefarious and repressive aims of the [People’s Republic of China] in direct violation of American sovereignty,” said James Dennehy, FBI assistant director in charge, in a statement.

Chen is facing nearly five years of imprisonment.

Watch:&nbsp;India-China SR Talks in Beijing: Focus on Border Peace, Mansarovar Yatra, and Stable Ties

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-china-sr-talks-in-beijing-focus-on-border-peace-mansarovar-yatra-and-stable-ties-785231/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, speaking about the case, U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said, "Today, a participant in a transnational repression scheme who worked to establish a secret police station in the middle of New York City on behalf of the national police force of the People's Republic of China has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to act as an illegal agent."

"We will continue our efforts to protect the rights of vulnerable persons who come to this country to escape the repressive activities of authoritarian regimes," he added.

<h2>China denies allegations</h2>

China's government officials have time and again denied running such police stations in other countries to monitor the Chinese nationals who are living there.

“There are no so-called Chinese police service stations overseas at all,” said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning in a Beijing briefing.&nbsp;

“China’s law enforcement agencies carry out cooperation in international law enforcement in strict accordance with international law, fully respect other countries’ laws and judicial sovereignty, and safeguard the lawful rights and interests of the suspects," she added.

It is believed that China has been running such secretive police outposts in North America, Europe, and other places where Chinese communities are living.

(With inputs from agencies)

A resident from Manhattan pleaded guilty to setting up a secret police station for the Chinese government in New York City. 60-year-old Chen Jinping entered the guilty plea on a single count of conspiracy for acting as a foreign government's agent in Brooklyn federal court on Wednesday (Dec 18).

A resident from Manhattan pleaded guilty to setting up a secret police station for the Chinese government in New York City. 60-year-old Chen Jinping entered the guilty plea on a single count of conspiracy for acting as a foreign government's agent in Brooklyn federal court on Wednesday (Dec 18). The US Department of Justice's Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen said Chen had admitted in court to his role in “audaciously establishing an undeclared police station” in Manhattan and made an attempt to conceal his efforts when the FBI approached him. “This illegal police station was not opened in the interest of public safety, but to further the nefarious and repressive aims of the PRC in direct violation of American sovereignty,” Olsen said in a statement while making reference to the People’s Republic of China. According to prosecutors, a local branch of China’s Ministry of Public Security was opened by Chen and his co-defendant Lu Jianwang in Manhattan’s Chinatown neighbourhood in 2022. Also Read: Satellite images show China has built villages near Bhutan's Doklam: Report The office provided basic services, such as helping Chinese citizens renew their driving licenses. When the FBI launched an investigation into their office, all phone communications with a Chinese government official were deleted by the two. Chen accepted that he had destroyed evidence that proved his correspondence with Chinese government officials. “This illegal police station was not opened in the interest of public safety, but to further the nefarious and repressive aims of the [People’s Republic of China] in direct violation of American sovereignty,” said James Dennehy, FBI assistant director in charge, in a statement. Chen is facing nearly five years of imprisonment. Watch: India-China SR Talks in Beijing: Focus on Border Peace, Mansarovar Yatra, and Stable Ties Meanwhile, speaking about the case, U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said, "Today, a participant in a transnational repression scheme who worked to establish a secret police station in the middle of New York City on behalf of the national police force of the People's Republic of China has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to act as an illegal agent." "We will continue our efforts to protect the rights of vulnerable persons who come to this country to escape the repressive activities of authoritarian regimes," he added. China denies allegations China's government officials have time and again denied running such police stations in other countries to monitor the Chinese nationals who are living there. “There are no so-called Chinese police service stations overseas at all,” said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning in a Beijing briefing. “China’s law enforcement agencies carry out cooperation in international law enforcement in strict accordance with international law, fully respect other countries’ laws and judicial sovereignty, and safeguard the lawful rights and interests of the suspects," she added. It is believed that China has been running such secretive police outposts in North America, Europe, and other places where Chinese communities are living. (With inputs from agencies)

US man pleads guilty to setting up 'secret Chinese police station' in New York City

India and China on Wednesday decided to give positive directions for cross-border cooperation and exchanges, including the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra during the visit of National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval to Beijing.

Wang Yi-Doval Meet: India's NSA Ajit Doval Delivers Mansarovar Breakthrough in Beijing

Russian President Vladimir Putin addresses the nation in an end-of-year speech. Putin began by boasting about Russia's economic performance. Watch in.

BREAKING: Russian President Vladimir Putin Holds Year-End Press Meet

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The UN envoy to Syria called for "free and fair" elections after the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad, voicing hope for a political solution for Kurdish-held areas.

UN's Syria Envoy Calls For 'Free And Fair Elections' After Transition In Syria

The United States government has announced additional sanctions on four entities contributing to Pakistan’s Ballistic Missile Program. Watch this report for more details!

Pakistan's Ballistic Missile Programme Hit With New US Sanctions

Former President Donald Trump's new demands have put immense pressure on Congress as they work to avert a potential government shutdown. Lawmakers are scrambling to reach an agreement amid growing concerns over funding and political negotiations.

Trump's New Demands Leave Congress Scrambling to Avoid Shutdown

A state of emergency was declared by California Governor Gavin Newsom in response to the widespread bird flu in the dairy cattle.

The declaration comes as California has become the outbreak's epicentre. In the last 30 days, California has tested positive more than 300 dairy herds.&nbsp;

"This proclamation is a targeted action to ensure government agencies have the resources and flexibility they need," said Newsom, in the statement.

"While the risk to the public remains low, we will continue to take all necessary steps to prevent the spread of this virus," he added.

<h2>US reports first severe human case of bird flu</h2>

The first severe human case of bird flu was reported by the United States on Wednesday (Dec 18).&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-reports-first-severe-case-of-bird-flu-in-human-says-cdc-785088">United States reports first severe case of bird flu in human, says CDC</a>

The patient was a resident of Louisiana and was hospitalised in critical condition after getting infected most probably by a backyard flock.

The symptoms showed increased risks from the virus which had earlier caused conjunctivitis or eye redness in farm workers, who had got infected by the bird flu.&nbsp;

The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said that the general public is at less risk of getting infected by H5N1 bird flu.

Since April, the CDC confirmed 61 human cases, most of which were workers working on dairy farms which had cattle infected by the virus. The workers who culled the infected poultry also tested positive.

The Louisiana patient has been in critical condition and is suffering from severe respiratory illness, said the Louisiana Department of Health, in a statement.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Flu Surge Overwhelms England's Hospitals

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/flu-surge-overwhelms-englands-hospitals-783833/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The department said that the person is over the age of 65 and reportedly suffered from underlying medical conditions which was putting him at higher risk.

Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security's senior scholar Amesh Adalja said, "The mild cases that we’ve seen in the United States largely reflect that many of the individuals are getting infected by dairy cows and that’s very different than getting infected with infected birds."

“If you look at the genotype of this patient in Louisiana, it wasn’t the cattle strain. It was a wild bird strain," he added.

Since March, 860 dairy herds in 16 states have been infected by the bird flu and 123 million poultry have been killed. The outbreak started in 2022.

(With inputs from agencies)

A state of emergency was declared by California Governor Gavin Newsom in response to the widespread bird flu in the dairy cattle. The declaration comes as California has become the outbreak's epicentre.

A state of emergency was declared by California Governor Gavin Newsom in response to the widespread bird flu in the dairy cattle. The declaration comes as California has become the outbreak's epicentre. In the last 30 days, California has tested positive more than 300 dairy herds. "This proclamation is a targeted action to ensure government agencies have the resources and flexibility they need," said Newsom, in the statement. "While the risk to the public remains low, we will continue to take all necessary steps to prevent the spread of this virus," he added. US reports first severe human case of bird flu The first severe human case of bird flu was reported by the United States on Wednesday (Dec 18). Also Read: United States reports first severe case of bird flu in human, says CDC The patient was a resident of Louisiana and was hospitalised in critical condition after getting infected most probably by a backyard flock. The symptoms showed increased risks from the virus which had earlier caused conjunctivitis or eye redness in farm workers, who had got infected by the bird flu. The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said that the general public is at less risk of getting infected by H5N1 bird flu. Since April, the CDC confirmed 61 human cases, most of which were workers working on dairy farms which had cattle infected by the virus. The workers who culled the infected poultry also tested positive. The Louisiana patient has been in critical condition and is suffering from severe respiratory illness, said the Louisiana Department of Health, in a statement. Watch: Flu Surge Overwhelms England's Hospitals The department said that the person is over the age of 65 and reportedly suffered from underlying medical conditions which was putting him at higher risk. Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security's senior scholar Amesh Adalja said, "The mild cases that we’ve seen in the United States largely reflect that many of the individuals are getting infected by dairy cows and that’s very different than getting infected with infected birds." “If you look at the genotype of this patient in Louisiana, it wasn’t the cattle strain. It was a wild bird strain," he added. Since March, 860 dairy herds in 16 states have been infected by the bird flu and 123 million poultry have been killed. The outbreak started in 2022. (With inputs from agencies)

California declares emergency after first severe human case of bird flu emerges in US

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