A Rare Bird Flu Strain Hits Washington: What You Need to Know

A person in Washington state has caught a rare bird flu strain that hasn't been seen in humans before. This individual, who has other health issues, got very sick with a high fever, confusion, and breathing problems. Experts say the risk to the public is low. The flu strain, called H5N5, is usually found in wild birds in the U. S. and Canada, not people. The person who got sick takes care of backyard birds, and some of them had died earlier. Wild birds could have brought the virus to the property. H5N5 is different from the more common H5N1 bird flu, but experts say they act similarly. Over 100 healthcare workers who treated the sick person are being watched closely. So far, no one else has caught the virus. The CDC is working with Washington state to handle the situation. There's no proof that the virus spreads from person to person. Bird flu cases in U. S. poultry flocks are rising, especially as migratory birds move around in the colder months. Since 2024, 70 people in the U. S. have caught bird flu, mostly workers exposed to infected animals. The CDC is also keeping an eye out for early signs of seasonal flu.