Washington State Reports First Death Linked to Rare Bird Flu Strain

A resident of Grays Harbor County, Washington, is believed to be the first individual to die from a rare strain of bird flu known as H5N5. Health officials confirmed on Friday that the deceased, an older adult with underlying health conditions, had been receiving treatment after becoming the first known human infected with this particular strain.

According to the Washington State Department of Health, the individual had a backyard flock of domestic poultry that had been in contact with wild birds. Despite this concerning development, state officials emphasized that the risk to the general public remains low. “No other individuals involved have tested positive for avian influenza,” the department stated.

Public Health Response and Monitoring

Health officials are closely monitoring anyone who had direct contact with the deceased. They reiterated that there is currently no evidence to suggest that H5N5 can be transmitted between humans. Earlier in the month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a statement indicating that this case does not appear to elevate the risk to public health.

The H5N5 strain is not considered a greater threat to human health compared to the H5N1 virus, which has contributed to a wave of approximately 70 reported human infections in the United States during 2024 and 2025. Most of these cases involved mild illnesses primarily affecting workers in dairy and poultry industries.

Officials highlighted the biological distinction between H5N5 and H5N1, particularly concerning a specific protein that plays a role in the virus’s release from infected cells and its spread to surrounding cells. The situation remains fluid, but the health department is confident in its monitoring and response strategies, ensuring that public safety is prioritized.

Although this case marks a significant incident, health officials continue to stress that the overall risk to the community is minimal. As they investigate and respond to this rare event, they remain committed to keeping the public informed and safe.