Washington has reported the first fatal case of bird flu this year in an individual who contracted the virus after contact with infected cattle, CNN reported.
This marks the first known bird flu-related death in the U.S. this year and the third since the H5N1 virus was first detected in U.S. livestock in 2024.
On Oct. 31, local authorities reported a severe case of bird flu, noting the patient had underlying health conditions but providing no details. On Nov. 1, officials confirmed the patient’s death.
Health officials monitor potential exposure
Since 2024, the U.S. has reported more than 70 human cases of bird flu. Most affected people worked on farms with infected poultry or cattle.
Authorities currently assess the risk to the general public as low, given that there have been no documented cases of human-to-human transmission of the virus in the country.
Since Oct. 8, 33 dairy herds in Washington state have reportedly tested positive for the H5N1 virus. Milk testing identified the first affected farms in early October.
After detecting the virus, health authorities contacted the affected farms and began monitoring dairy workers. Workers are contacted daily by phone and asked about symptoms such as coughing, fever or eye redness.
On Oct. 15, health officials identified another H5N1 case in a dairy farm worker in Yakima County. It was the first human case of infection in the county in nearly a year. The patient reportedly had mild symptoms.
Following the death, county health officials are screening people who had contact with the deceased to determine whether the virus has spread further.
Bird flu is not the only threat
This year, increased bird flu activity has coincided with the early spread of seasonal influenza along the Pacific Coast, raising concerns among experts.
Specialists believe that the simultaneous circulation of these viruses could lead to the emergence of a new viral variant with altered properties.
Meanwhile, farm workers who test positive for H5N1 may receive antiviral medication to alleviate symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.
