A Rare Case: Washington's First Human H5N5 Avian Flu Death
In a rare and unfortunate event, a person in Washington state has passed away after contracting the H5N5 strain of avian influenza. This is believed to be the first confirmed human case of this particular virus. The individual, who lived in Grays Harbor County, was an older adult with pre-existing health conditions.
Details of the Case
- Location: Grays Harbor County, Washington
- Source of Infection: Likely the person's backyard flock of domestic birds
- Risk to Public: Remains low
Health officials have chosen not to disclose the person's name, age, or gender to respect the family's privacy. They have, however, confirmed that the source of infection was likely the person's backyard flock of domestic birds. This highlights the importance of taking precautions when handling birds, especially those that may be infected.
Current Situation
- Monitoring: Officials are monitoring anyone who had close contact with the patient.
- Transmission: No evidence of human-to-human transmission.
- Other Cases: No other individuals involved in the case have tested positive.
About H5N5
H5N5 is a subtype of avian flu that is not considered a greater threat to human health than the more commonly known H5N1 virus. In 2024 and 2025, there were 70 reported human infections of H5N1 in the US, most of which were mild illnesses in workers on dairy and poultry farms.
Key Differences
- H5N5 vs. H5N1: The difference lies in a specific protein that plays a role in how the virus spreads.
Previous Cases in Washington
- First Reported: October 2024
- Transmission: No evidence of person-to-person transmission.
Prevention and Hygiene
Birds and other animals infected with avian influenza can spread the virus through their saliva, mucus, and feces. This underscores the need for proper hygiene and safety measures when dealing with animals that may carry the virus.
