Bird Flu Strain Claims Life in Washington: What You Need to Know

In a concerning turn of events, a person in Washington state has passed away due to a rare bird flu virus. This is the first known case of this particular strain, H5N5, in a human in the U.S.

Details of the Case

• Patient: An older adult with existing health issues.
• Hospitalization: Early November.
• Death: Friday.

The H5N5 strain is not commonly seen in humans, having previously only been detected in animals. Dr. Scott Lindquist, a state epidemiologist, described the patient as "severely ill." Health authorities have reassured the public that the risk remains low.

Monitoring and Precautions

• Over 100 healthcare workers and close contacts are being monitored.
• Source of Infection: The patient had been caring for a mixed flock of backyard birds, two of which had died earlier.
• Wild birds also had access to the property, suggesting the infection likely came from these birds.

Comparison with H5N1

• H5N5 is different from the more well-known H5N1 strain, which has been spreading among animals and people globally.
• Experts note that these strains behave similarly.
• Since 2024, 70 people in the U.S. have tested positive for bird flu, primarily those exposed to infected dairy cattle or poultry.

Ongoing Surveillance

Authorities are keeping a close eye on anyone who had contact with the patient's birds or their environment. It's important to stay informed and take necessary precautions, especially if you have contact with birds.