A person in Washington State died from the H5N5 bird flu virus. This marks the first time anywhere in the world that this specific bird flu strain has infected and killed a human. The death, announced by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), underscores the continued need for vigilance against evolving bird flu strains.
Key takeaways:
This is the first-ever recorded human infection and death from the H5N5 strain.
Health officials, including the CDC, maintain that the risk to the public remains low as there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission.
The deceased was an older adult with underlying health conditions from Grays Harbor County with a backyard poultry flock.
What is H5N5 Bird Flu Strain?
H5N5 is a subtype of the Influenza A virus, commonly known as bird flu, that primarily circulates in wild and domestic bird populations.
Influenza A viruses are named based on the two proteins on their surface: Hemagglutinin (H) and Neuraminidase (N). The H5N5 strain, like the more prevalent H5N1, is classified as a High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI), meaning it causes severe illness in poultry.
The patient, who developed severe symptoms including high fever, respiratory distress, and confusion in early November, died on November 21. Washington State officials confirmed the infection after tests at the University of Washington found the H5N5 subtype.
H5N5 vs. H5N1: Simple Differences
We must know the difference between this H5N5 case and the H5N1 strain. H5N1 has infected many farm animals and over 70 people in the U.S. since 2024.
| Feature | H5N5 (Washington Case) | H5N1 (Common Strain) |
| Human Cases | First human case globally. | Has caused many human cases worldwide over the years. |
| Main Protein (H) | H5 Type | H5 Type |
| Second Protein (N) | N5 Type | N1 Type |
| Spread Risk | Rare jump to human; likely a one-time event so far. | Spreading widely in poultry and cattle across the U.S. |
According to report of AOL, Dr. Richard Webby, a top virus expert, said there is “no reason to suspect H5N5 has more or less of a pandemic risk than H5N1.” “Most people’s exposure to the H5 viruses is still going to be to the H5N1 just because there’s so much more of that in the bird population.” Both viruses are serious, but they are different types within the H5 family.
How the Patient Caught H5N5
The person most likely caught the virus from their backyard poultry flock.
- Source: State health officials said the person’s birds had been exposed to wild birds.
- Evidence: Tests found the bird flu virus “in the environment of the flock.” This strongly suggests the person caught the virus from their birds or the wild birds around them.
This shows how a virus can jump from animals to humans, an event that is usually rare for bird flu. Officials are watching people who had close contact with the patient, but no one else has tested positive.
Simple Rules for Owners and the Public
Health experts urge people to be careful, not panicked.
For People Who Keep Birds
Keep Safe: Do not let your birds mix with wild birds.
Clean Up: Wear separate clothes, a mask, and gloves when you care for birds or clean the coop. Always wash your hands well afterward.
Report: Call officials right away if your birds look sick or if you find dead birds.
For Everyone Else
Stay Away: Do not touch dead or sick wild animals.
Eat Safe: Do not eat raw or undercooked foods from birds or cattle, like unpasteurised milk or raw cheeses.
Though the seasonal flu shot does not fight bird flu, the CDC still asks everyone to get it. This lowers the chance of getting both flus at the same time, which could create a more dangerous virus.
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