First Human H5N5 Bird Flu Case Confirmed in Washington
A Washington resident has become the first human ever infected with the H5N5 bird flu. The patient, an older adult with existing health issues, is hospitalized and receiving specialized care. Health authorities are closely monitoring the situation, while reassuring the public that the overall risk remains low. Experts warn that the virus’s evolution is unpredictable, but so far, there is no evidence of broader spread.
Rare H5N5 Infection and Exposure
The patient first showed symptoms in early November, including high fever, confusion, and severe breathing problems. They were initially treated in Grays Harbor County before being transferred to a specialty hospital in King County. Laboratory tests confirmed H5N5, a strain previously seen only in birds. The patient owns backyard poultry and had recent contact with wild birds. Two birds in the flock died of unknown causes. Investigators believe the infection likely came from handling poultry or exposure to bird droppings or saliva. Health officials have monitored everyone who had contact with the patient, and no additional infections have been detected.
Expert Warnings and Ongoing Animal Outbreaks
Virologists caution that influenza viruses mutate frequently, making outbreaks unpredictable. Dr. Angela Rasmussen noted that H5N5’s appearance in humans highlights this risk. Dr. William Schaffner called the case a “rare one-off event.” Bird flu continues to spread widely among U.S. animals. Since 2022, H5 bird flu has affected an estimated 174 million wild and domestic birds. Seasonal migration has worsened outbreaks, infecting millions of farmed birds. Despite this, the CDC says the general public faces low risk. Surveillance of exposed individuals is ongoing, and authorities urge standard precautions around poultry.
