Bird flu deaths confirmed in northwest state linked to infected dairy cows

A Yakima County, Washington, resident has died from complications related to avian flu, public health officials confirmed, marking a rare fatal human case of the virus in the United States.

The individual, who suffered from underlying health conditions, was hospitalized with serious illness after contracting bird flu following exposure to infected livestock at a local dairy.

Local authorities declined to release the person’s name, age or gender, citing privacy concerns.

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“Our hearts go out to this individual’s family and loved ones during this difficult time,” Yakima Health District Health Officer Dr. Dave Atteberry said in a statement.

“Bird flu can cause serious illness, particularly in people with underlying health conditions,” he continued. “While this is a serious and heartbreaking outcome, the risk to the general public remains low.”

Officials are strongly urging dairy and farm workers to take precautions and contact health authorities immediately if they develop symptoms after exposure to infected livestock. (iStock)

Health officials also confirmed a third human case of bird flu in Yakima County on Monday. This individual, who was also exposed to infected dairy cattle on a local farm, was not hospitalized and did not suffer serious illness.

Public health teams are actively tracing and monitoring close contacts of the two individuals for potential symptoms.

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“Those most at risk include dairy workers and others who have close or prolonged contact with infected animals or environments contaminated with the virus,” the health district said in an advisory.

“If you work on a dairy farm and develop symptoms after potential exposure to infected livestock, contact your health care provider or the Yakima Health District.”

What is bird flu?

Avian influenza, or bird flu, is an illness caused by type A influenza viruses that commonly spread among wild waterfowl and domestic poultry, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In recent years, an outbreak of the H5N1 strain has spread beyond birds to infect various mammals, including domestic dairy cows and free-range livestock.

The individual contracted the virus through direct exposure to infected livestock at a local dairy. (Dado Ruvic/Reuters)

Federal and state health officials emphasize that the overall risk to the general public remains low.

Person-to-person spread of bird flu is extremely rare and has not been identified in the United States, according to the CDC.

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Agricultural workers, veterinarians and people in close, prolonged contact with infected animals, raw milk or contaminated manure are at greatest risk of exposure, the agency states above.

Commercial pasteurized milk and well-cooked poultry remain safe to consume, as heat kills the virus.

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Symptoms and prevention

Avian flu infections in humans can range from mild to severe. The most common symptoms reported in recent farm-related cases include the following.

• Redness, discharge, or inflammation of the eyes (conjunctivitis or pink eye)
• Cough, sore throat or runny nose
• Fever or chills
• Fatigue, headaches and muscle pain
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing (in severe cases)

Public health investigators are tracing and monitoring close contacts of the two infected people to check for symptoms and stop any potential spread. (iStock)

Health authorities advise the public to avoid handling sick or dead wild birds and livestock.

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Farm staff and dairy workers should wear recommended personal protective equipment – ​​such as N95 respirators, goggles and fluid-resistant gloves – whenever handling potentially infected livestock or contaminated surfaces.

Anyone who develops respiratory or eye symptoms after exposure to an animal should seek medical attention promptly.

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The Yakima Health District updates its local bird flu case numbers and guidelines twice a week, Mondays and Thursdays at 2 p.m.