A resident of Washington has been admitted to the hospital after contracting a type of bird flu that has never been seen in humans before, the Washington State Health Department reported.Since 2024, the United States has recorded 70 human bird flu cases, all caused by the highly contagious H5N1 strain. The current case involves the H5N5 strain, marking the first time this variant has been detected in a person in the U.S.Experts say the H5N5 strain does not appear to pose a higher risk to humans compared with the more common H5N1.The patient, an older adult with underlying health issues, had contact with wild birds from a backyard flock, according to CBS News. The individual experienced high fever, confusion, and breathing difficulties, as reported by Scripps News.What Is The New H5N5 Strain Detected In US?A resident of Grays Harbor who was hospitalized with flu-like symptoms in early November has tested positive for influenza A H5, a type of bird flu. Further testing identified the virus as H5N5, a strain previously seen in animals but never before in humans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Health currently say the risk to the public from this avian flu is low.The patient, an older adult with pre-existing health conditions, remains in the hospital. They keep a mixed backyard flock of domestic poultry, which had contact with wild birds. These domestic and wild birds are the most likely sources of the infection, though public health officials are continuing their investigation. The Washington State Department of Health is coordinating with the local health department and the Department of Agriculture to complete studies on exposure and animal health.How Does Bird Flu Spread?Bird flu usually spreads through direct contact with infected animals, especially poultry and sometimes dairy cattle. People can catch the virus when they come into contact with bodily fluids like saliva, feces, or respiratory droplets from these animals. The virus can enter the body if someone touches these fluids and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth. It’s also possible to get infected by breathing in tiny dust particles from areas where infected animals live.Public Health Guidance For Bird FluThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Health consider the risk of avian influenza to the general public to be low. People who work with or come into recreational contact with infected birds, cattle, or other potentially infected domestic or wild animals face a higher risk and should take precautions. This includes wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, eye protection, and fluid-resistant clothing or coveralls.Backyard poultry owners should avoid touching sick or dead birds and report any illness to the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA). Veterinarians should report any domestic animals or livestock suspected of having avian influenza. People should also avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife and report such cases to the Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife. Pets should never be allowed near dead birds or wildlife.Avoid consuming raw or undercooked products like unpasteurized milk or raw cheeses, and do not feed these to pets.It is particularly important for those exposed to sick birds to get a seasonal flu vaccine. While it does not prevent bird flu, the vaccine reduces the risk of contracting both human and avian influenza at the same time. The seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older.
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