A Rare Case: Washington's First Human H5N5 Avian Flu Death

In a rare and unfortunate event, a person in Washington state has passed away after contracting the H5N5 strain of avian influenza. This is believed to be the first confirmed human case of this particular virus. The individual, who lived in Grays Harbor County, was an older adult with pre-existing health conditions. Health officials have chosen not to disclose the person's name, age, or gender to respect the family's privacy. They have, however, confirmed that the source of infection was likely the person's backyard flock of domestic birds. This highlights the importance of taking precautions when handling birds, especially those that may be infected. The risk to the general public remains low, according to state health authorities. No other individuals involved in the case have tested positive for avian influenza. Officials are monitoring anyone who had close contact with the patient to ensure that the virus is not spreading from person to person. Currently, there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission. H5N5 is a subtype of avian flu that is not considered a greater threat to human health than the more commonly known H5N1 virus. In 2024 and 2025, there were 70 reported human infections of H5N1 in the US, most of which were mild illnesses in workers on dairy and poultry farms. The difference between H5N5 and H5N1 lies in a specific protein that plays a role in how the virus spreads. The first human cases of H5 avian influenza in Washington state were reported in October 2024. Since then, there has been no evidence of person-to-person transmission. Birds and other animals infected with avian influenza can spread the virus through their saliva, mucus, and feces. This underscores the need for proper hygiene and safety measures when dealing with animals that may carry the virus.