Health Alert: First Human Case of Bird Flu Reported in Washington

A Washington resident has been hospitalized with the H5N5 strain of bird flu, marking the first known human infection with this particular virus. According to CBS News, state health officials reported that the individual, an older adult with underlying health conditions, has a mixed backyard flock that was exposed to wild birds, which is likely the source of the infection.

The case represents the first human bird flu infection in the United States since February. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that there is no increased risk to public health due to this case, and additional testing is being conducted on a specimen from the patient.

Richard Webby, a flu researcher at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, noted that the H5N5 strain does not present a greater threat to humans compared to the H5N1 strain, which has seen a wave of infections in the U.S. in 2024 and 2025, primarily affecting workers on dairy and poultry farms.

Webby emphasized that both H5N5 and H5N1 behave similarly from a public health perspective. The Washington State Department of Health is actively investigating the case, which has raised public health concerns and calls for increased vigilance regarding infectious diseases.

The presence of bird flu in various bird populations has been noted since January 2022, with significant occurrences in domestic settings. This case serves as a reminder of the potential for avian influenza viruses to cross species barriers, affecting humans, especially those in close contact with infected animals, such as farm workers.

As health officials continue to monitor the situation, the incident may lead to discussions about health protocols and preventive measures to protect communities, emphasizing the importance of public awareness and safety in the face of emerging infectious diseases.