Overview
- The Washington State Department of Health confirmed the death following infection with the H5N5 avian influenza subtype, the first known human infection with this strain.
- The patient, an older adult with underlying health conditions from Grays Harbor County, had been hospitalized and under treatment.
- Investigators identified likely exposure from a backyard mixed flock, with environmental samples from the birds’ area testing positive for avian influenza.
- Health authorities are monitoring close contacts, no additional infections have been found, and there is no evidence of spread between people.
- It is the first human avian flu case reported in the U.S. in nine months and only the second confirmed U.S. death linked to the ongoing outbreak since 2022.