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An older adult from Grays Harbor County, Washington, has died after being infected with the H5N5 avian influenza virus, marking the first known human case and death from this specific strain. The patient, who had underlying health conditions, was hospitalized in early November with severe symptoms, including high fever, confusion, and respiratory distress, and subsequently passed away.
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) confirmed that this was the first time the H5N5 virus had been detected in a person, though it has been previously identified in animals. The likely source of the infection was traced to the individual's backyard flock of mixed domestic poultry, which had been exposed to wild birds. Health officials have consistently stated that bird flu does not typically spread easily between people. An investigation found no evidence of human-to-human transmission in this case.
This incident is distinct from the more widespread H5N1 avian flu, which has caused multiple outbreaks in U.S. dairy cattle and resulted in several human infections among farmworkers in recent years. While both are types of avian influenza, the emergence of a human infection from the H5N5 strain prompted close scrutiny from public health agencies. In an official statement, the DOH stressed that the risk of avian influenza to the public remains low.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) worked with state officials to investigate the case. The CDC maintains that sporadic human infections with avian influenza viruses are possible, especially for individuals with direct contact with infected animals. However, current CDC monitoring shows a low public health risk, and the agency advises people to avoid unprotected contact with sick or dead birds and other animals. Following the patient's death, health authorities have reiterated that there is no indication of wider community spread. This first fatal case of the H5N5 strain in the US serves as a critical reminder of the potential for zoonotic viruses to jump to humans, underscoring the importance of ongoing surveillance.
