Health authorities in Washington State announced late Friday the death of an individual, marking the first confirmed human fatality globally linked to the H5N5 strain of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu. The deceased was identified as an older adult who was confirmed to have had pre-existing underlying health conditions, according to a press release issued by the Washington State Department of Health. The patient maintained a mixed flock of domestic birds in their backyard. State health officials stated that no further specific details regarding the case would be disclosed, citing respect for the family’s privacy, reports Baltimore Chronicle citing the Washington State Department of Health.
The H5N5 virus strain had previously been detected only in animals, and the current case represents the initial instance of human infection with this specific type, as confirmed by the health department. Public health experts continue to emphasize that the overall risk to the broader population remains low. Furthermore, officials confirmed that no other close contacts of the deceased have tested positive for the bird flu, and there is currently no evidence suggesting any form of human-to-human transmission of the virus.
Avian influenza has circulated among bird populations for decades; however, recent years have seen a noticeable increase in infections among various mammalian species. Since the identification of a widespread bird flu strain in several mammals, confirmed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in early March 2024, the United States has recorded numerous human cases. Excluding the Washington state patient, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) counts at least 70 confirmed human cases across the U.S. over the past year and a half.
Most of these documented human infections, primarily involving the H5N1 strain, occurred following close contact with infected cattle, contact at contaminated poultry farms, or during culling operations. While the majority of these cases have presented with mild symptoms, such as red eyes or fever, a small number have progressed to more severe illness. This development follows a confirmed bird flu death in January among an older patient who also had underlying health issues. Despite these developments, the CDC and other public health officials maintain that the risk to the general public is minimal due to the lack of evidence for sustained person-to-person spread.
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