In Washington state, a person died from bird flu after being exposed on an infected dairy farm, state health officials reported Sunday. This is the third human death from avian influenza in the United States since a strain of highly pathogenic (H5) avian influenza (HPAI) made an unprecedented jump from migratory wild birds to dairy cows, first reported in the United States in March 2024.
The deceased was a resident of Yakima County and reportedly had underlying health conditions, which may have made them more vulnerable to infection. On Friday, county officials said the person was seriously ill and hospitalized. When later announcing the person’s death, authorities said they would not release further information about the person, including their name, gender or age, out of respect for the family’s privacy.
“Our hearts go out to this individual’s family and loved ones during this difficult time,” Yakima Health District Health Officer Dave Atteberry said in a statement. “Bird flu can cause serious illness, particularly in people with underlying health conditions. Although it is a serious and heartbreaking outcome, the risk to the general public remains low.”
Persistent threat
A total of three people have tested positive for avian flu in Washington state since the virus was reported in dairy cattle in the state on October 8. All three were in Yakima County. In announcing the death on Sunday, authorities also reported the third case. This case, like the first case, involved a person who was exposed to an infected dairy herd in the county. The two people were not reported to have been seriously ill or hospitalized.
Gn Health
