Washington State Man Dies from Rare Strain of Bird Flu
A Washington state man is believed to be the first person to die from a rare strain of bird flu, but state health officials said the risk to the public is low. The man, an older adult with underlying health conditions, was being treated for a bird flu called H5N5 after becoming seemingly the first known human infected by the strain, according to a statement from the Washington State Department of Health.
The man from Grays Harbor County, about 78 miles southwest of Seattle, had a backyard flock of domestic poultry that had been exposed to wild birds, health officials said. This exposure is thought to be the likely source of the infection, highlighting the importance of taking precautions when handling birds or coming into contact with areas where they may be present.
Low Risk to the Public
Health officials have emphasized that the risk to the public remains low, with no other people involved testing positive for avian influenza. The Washington State Department of Health will continue to monitor anyone who came in close contact with the man, but there is currently no evidence of transmission of this virus between people.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also weighed in on the situation, stating that no information suggests the risk to public health has increased as a result of this case. This assessment is based on the current understanding of the H5N5 virus and its transmission dynamics.
Understanding Bird Flu
Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, has been detected in a variety of bird populations since January 2022. The virus can infect birds as well as mammals, including pigs, cattle, and cats. People can also get infected when they come into close contact with infected animals, which is why farm workers are at high risk for infection.
The distinction between different strains of bird flu, such as H5N5 and H5N1, lies in the specific characteristics of the virus, including the proteins involved in its release and spread. H5N5 is not believed to be a greater threat to human health than the H5N1 virus, which was behind a wave of 70 reported human infections in the U.S. in 2024 and 2025.
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