A person in Washington state has died after contracting a strain of bird flu never before seen in humans. The state’s Department of Health confirmed this sad news recently.
The patient was an older adult with existing health issues. They had been hospitalized due to complications from the H5N5 avian influenza. This marks the first human case of bird flu in the U.S. in nine months and only the second death linked to the virus in recent years. Despite this, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that the general public’s risk from the virus remains low.
Health officials are keeping an eye on others who were in close contact with the patient. Luckily, no one else has tested positive for the virus, and there’s no evidence suggesting it can spread from human to human.
The health department noted that the individual had a backyard flock of mixed domestic birds. They found the avian influenza virus in the flock’s environment, indicating that this was likely how the patient was exposed.
Wild birds worldwide have battled bird flu for years, but recent outbreaks in the U.S. started in January 2022. This latest wave has shown a higher spread among mammals. According to the CDC, there have been around 70 human cases linked to this outbreak, with another elderly individual sadly passing away from the virus in January.
Most infections have been mild, with symptoms including red eyes and fever. Most cases involved people who work closely with animals. Specifically, there have been 41 cases among individuals working with cattle and 24 involving poultry workers.
The CDC advises anyone working with animals to take precautions, such as wearing protective gear and being careful around animal waste. When cleaning bird feeders or dealing with droppings, exercise caution to avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife.
Additionally, the health department recommends flu shots for those who may come into contact with birds. While the regular flu vaccine won’t protect against bird flu directly, it can help reduce the risk of co-infection, potentially preventing mutations that could lead to wider transmission among humans.
As bird flu continues to evolve, experts are calling for ongoing vigilance. Studies reveal that the virus has been spreading more among mammals, raising concerns about potential future outbreaks. For more detailed information, refer to the CDC’s guidance on avian influenza here.
