Overview
- The older Grays Harbor County resident, hospitalized since early November with high fever, confusion and respiratory distress, is the first U.S. human bird flu case reported since February.
- State health officials confirmed the strain as H5N5, a type not previously reported in people, and experts say it behaves similarly to recent H5N1 viruses without indicating greater human risk.
- The patient keeps a backyard flock that had contact with wild birds, and state agriculture officials are testing birds as investigators work to pinpoint the source of exposure.
- Washington has identified and is monitoring close contacts, including more than 100 health care workers, and reports no additional infections or evidence of human-to-human spread.
- The CDC characterizes public risk as low and is awaiting specimens for further analysis, while urging people who work with birds or livestock to use protective gear and stay up to date on seasonal flu vaccination.