A resident of Grays Harbor County, Washington, is believed to be the first person to die from a rare strain of bird flu known as H5N5. This case has raised health concerns, but state health officials emphasize that the risk to the general public remains low. The individual, an older adult with pre-existing health conditions, was under treatment for the H5N5 infection, which is reportedly the first known human case of this particular strain.
According to a statement from the Washington State Department of Health, the individual had a backyard flock of poultry that had been exposed to wild birds. This exposure is believed to be the likely source of the infection. The department reassured the public that, as of now, “no other people involved have tested positive for avian influenza.”
Monitoring and Public Health Measures
Health officials are actively monitoring individuals who had close contact with the deceased. They have stated that there is “no evidence of transmission of this virus between people.” Earlier this month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a statement indicating that the overall risk to public health has not increased due to this case.
Officials noted that H5N5 does not pose a greater threat to human health compared to the more widely recognized H5N1 virus, which has been associated with a wave of 70 reported human infections in the United States during 2024 and 2025. Most of these infections have been mild, primarily affecting workers in the dairy and poultry industries.
The distinction between H5N5 and H5N1 lies in specific proteins involved in the virus’s lifecycle, particularly those responsible for the release of the virus from infected cells and its subsequent spread to neighboring cells.
Public Health Response
In light of this case, health officials continue to stress the importance of monitoring and preventive measures. The state health department is working closely with local health agencies to ensure that any potential cases are quickly identified and managed.
While this incident raises awareness about avian influenza, officials encourage the public to maintain normal practices regarding poultry handling and to report any sick or unusual behavior in birds. The general sentiment among health experts is to remain vigilant but not alarmed.
As the situation develops, health agencies will provide updates and guidance to keep the community informed. The emphasis remains on the low risk to the public and the effectiveness of ongoing monitoring efforts.