‎Washington Reports First Human Case of H5N5 Bird Flu as Resident Dies from Complications

‎A Washington resident has died from complications linked to an H5N5 bird flu infection, according to the Washington State Department of Health. The strain has not been previously reported in humans, marking a rare development in ongoing avian influenza surveillance.

‎

‎Washington health officials report the first human H5N5 bird flu case after an older resident dies, as monitoring continues and public risk remains low.

‎CDC/NIAID/AP

‎

‎The individual was an older adult with underlying medical conditions and had been hospitalized for treatment. Health officials identified the case as the first human bird flu infection in the United States in nine months and the second reported human death from the virus in the country.

‎

‎The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that the overall public risk remains low. Monitoring of people who were in close contact with the patient continues, and no additional positive tests have been reported. Officials have not found evidence of human-to-human transmission.

‎

‎Health investigators found avian influenza virus in the environment surrounding the patient’s backyard flock of mixed domestic birds. The health department said exposure to domestic poultry, the flock environment, or wild birds is considered the most likely source.

‎

‎Bird flu has circulated in wild bird populations globally for decades. The current US outbreak began in January 2022 and has involved increased spread among mammals compared to previous years.

‎

‎The CDC reports seventy human cases connected to the ongoing outbreak. Another older adult with underlying conditions died in January following a bird flu infection. Most confirmed cases have shown mild symptoms, including red eyes and fever.

‎

‎Workers with close animal contact represent the majority of affected individuals. Forty-one cases have occurred among people who work with cattle, and twenty-four cases have been reported among poultry workers. Two cases involved other animal exposures, and exposure sources remain unknown in three cases.

‎

‎The CDC advises individuals who work closely with animals to use personal protective equipment and handle animal feces with caution. Officials also recommend careful cleaning of bird feeders and areas exposed to bird droppings, along with avoiding contact with sick or dead wildlife.

‎

‎The Washington State Department of Health encourages flu vaccination for people who may interact with domestic or wild birds. The standard flu shot does not protect against bird flu but reduces the chance of simultaneous infections that could allow the avian influenza virus to mutate.