Older adult in Grays Harbor County with backyard poultry dies after contracting H5N5 — officials stress low public-risk and no known human-to-human spread.
U.S. Records First Death from Rare H5N5 Bird Flu Strain
A resident of Grays Harbor County, Washington — an older adult with underlying health conditions — has died after being infected with the rare avian influenza strain Avian influenza A (H5N5). This is believed to be the first confirmed human death globally from this H5N5 strain.
State health officials say the individual owned a backyard flock of domestic poultry which had contact with wild birds, likely the source of infection.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Washington State Department of Health emphasise that there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission, and the risk to the general public remains low.
What We Know So Far
- The deceased developed symptoms including high fever, confusion and respiratory distress in early November.
- The virus was found in the environment of the backyard flock, which had exposure to wild birds. Thus, authorities suspect zoonotic transmission (bird-to-human) rather than human-to-human.
- The health department is monitoring all close contacts of the patient, though no additional infections have been reported at this time.
- While H5N5 is a novel strain in humans, it is not yet considered to pose a greater threat than the already known Avian influenza A (H5N1) strain, which has caused human infections previously.
Background: Why This Matters
- Avian influenza strains like H5N1 and H5N5 originate primarily in wild birds and poultry; human infections are rare but concerning due to potential for mutation.
- In the U.S., human H5 bird-flu cases have previously been reported — mostly mild — in people exposed to infected animals or dairy/poultry environments.
- This case of H5N5 marks a noteworthy development, since it’s a strain not (to date) widely observed in humans. That raises questions about surveillance, poultry/bird-to-human exposure, and preparedness for potential spread.
- The backyard-poultry link illustrates a recurring risk factor: domestic flocks in contact with wild birds, minimal biosecurity, and proximity to humans.
Implications & Response Steps
- Animal-and-public-health agencies are likely to ramp up testing of backyard poultry and wild birds in the region, and monitor for any additional human cases.
- Experts will scrutinize whether this virus has changes that allow easier human infection or spread — for now, no human-to-human transmission is seen.
- For the public: avoiding contact with wild birds, reducing exposure to backyard flocks, and maintaining strong hygiene are advised — especially for people with underlying health issues.
- Health authorities reinforce that this single case, while serious, does not imply an imminent pandemic — but it underlines the need for vigilance.
