Overview
- A Grays Harbor County resident preliminarily tested positive for avian influenza, with confirmation underway at the Washington State Public Health Laboratories.
- The patient is an older adult with underlying conditions who developed high fever, confusion, and respiratory distress and was hospitalized in early November; treatment continues.
- Officials are examining possible contact with wild or domestic birds and are monitoring close contacts, with no identified risk to the general public at this time.
- The CDC continues to rate overall public risk as low, advising animal handlers to use protective gear, avoid contact with sick or dead birds, report illnesses, and receive a seasonal flu vaccine.
- Recent U.S. animal outbreaks include nearly 70 affected poultry flocks and more than 1.7 million birds in the past month, with the last livestock detection reported about a month ago in Idaho dairy cows.