Health officials in Washington state have confirmed that an older adult has died after being infected with the H5N5 strain of bird flu, a type of avian influenza not previously seen in humans. The person, who had other health problems, was hospitalized before passing away, CNN reported.
This is the first human case of bird flu reported in the U.S. in 9 months and only the second U.S. death linked to avian influenza during the current outbreak. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the overall public health risk remains low and there is no evidence of the virus spreading between people. Those who were recently in close contact with the patient have tested negative so far.
State investigators found avian influenza in the area around the patient’s backyard flock. This suggests that contact with domestic poultry or wild birds was likely how the person got infected.
Since the national outbreak began in early 2022, the CDC has recorded about 70 human infections, mostly among people who work with livestock and poultry. Most cases have caused only mild symptoms, such as fever or eye irritation. Earlier this year, another older adult with health problems also died from the virus.
Health agencies continue to urge people who work with animals to use protective gear, avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife and be careful when cleaning areas with bird droppings. Washington officials also recommend getting the seasonal flu vaccine for those who are around birds. While this vaccine does not prevent bird flu, it lowers the rare chance of getting both viruses at once, which could lead to changes in the virus.
Last month, a massive outbreak of bird flu was reported in Germany, resulting in the death of thousands of wild cranes.
