By Harshit
WASHINGTON, D.C., NOVEMBER 22, 2025 —
A Washington state resident has died after contracting a rare strain of bird flu known as H5N5 — a subtype never before confirmed in a human — state health officials said Friday. The patient, an older adult with underlying medical issues, had been hospitalized for complications related to the infection before passing away earlier this week.
The case marks the first human bird flu infection reported in the United States in nine months and only the second bird flu–related death in the country this year. Despite the seriousness of the case, federal officials emphasized that the overall risk to the public remains low. No evidence suggests the virus is spreading between people.
A First-of-Its-Kind Human Infection
State investigators said the patient kept a backyard flock of mixed domestic birds. Environmental testing around the property detected avian influenza virus, making exposure to domestic poultry — or wild birds visiting the area — the most likely source.
For decades, avian influenza has circulated among wild birds globally. But the current U.S. outbreak, which began in early 2022, has involved more spillover into mammals than previous waves. This latest case adds a newly documented strain to watch, although scientists say its behavior is still consistent with other avian-only viruses.
Health agencies are closely monitoring people who had contact with the patient. So far, no one else has tested positive, and no signs point to human-to-human transmission.
A Rare but Serious Outcome
Seventy human bird flu cases have been confirmed in the U.S. since 2022, mostly involving farmworkers and people with direct animal exposure. Most infections have been mild, producing symptoms such as conjunctivitis, fever or fatigue.
Severe illness tends to occur in people who are older or have medical vulnerabilities — a pattern seen again in this case. Another older adult with underlying conditions died earlier this year after a separate bird flu infection.
Federal officials continue to stress that infections remain extremely rare, and nearly all patients have had direct contact with birds, cattle or contaminated environments.
Why This Case Matters
Although bird flu rarely infects humans, each infection is a reminder of the constant need for surveillance. When avian viruses cross into people, scientists pay close attention to how the virus behaves, whether it changes, and whether any patterns suggest adaptation toward easier human spread.
So far, health officials report no such signals from the H5N5 strain. But monitoring remains critical, especially given the ongoing detection of bird flu across U.S. poultry farms, backyard flocks and some livestock.
Guidance for People Around Animals
Health agencies recommend that anyone who works closely with domestic or wild birds take standard precautions:
- Wear gloves, masks and eye protection when handling birds or cleaning coops
- Avoid touching sick or dead wildlife
- Wash hands thoroughly after any contact with animal environments
- Prevent children from handling bird feeders or bird droppings
- Report sudden poultry deaths to local agriculture authorities
Although the seasonal flu shot does not protect against bird flu, state officials encourage people with routine bird exposure to get vaccinated. Doing so reduces the chance of being infected with both viruses at the same time — a situation that could increase opportunities for viral mutation.
Looking Ahead
Washington’s health department has launched a dedicated hotline for questions about infant and adult exposure risks, and federal investigators continue their environmental review of the patient’s property.
Officials say this isolated case does not change the overall public health assessment: the general population remains at low risk, but individuals who regularly interact with birds should continue using protective measures.
The incident also underscores the importance of maintaining strong surveillance systems—across wildlife, agriculture and human health—to track any changes in how avian influenza behaves.