First global H5N5 death confirmed in Washington
A resident of Grays Harbor County has died after contracting H5N5 avian influenza, according to the Washington State Department of Health.
Why it matters: The health department states that this incident marks the first confirmed human case of H5N5 worldwide.
Threat level: State health officials assure that despite the incident, the public risk remains low, and there has been no detection of human-to-human transmission.
State of play: The victim is described as an older adult with underlying health conditions, who used to maintain a backyard bird flock. Tests on the backyard bird flock revealed the presence of a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus. The people who had contact with the birds or the patient are being monitored.
Catch up quick: Washington had the second highest number of H5N1 bird flu cases in the previous month. This pattern may be related to Washington’s geographical position.
