Image by Freddy from Pixabay
Washington State Department of Health announced a resident has died, making it the second bird flu death in the country. This patient is reported to be the first person infected with the rare H5N5 strain of the virus.
What makes this case different and is it something we should worry about? What exactly is bird flu and how common are human cases? How do you know if you have bird flu and how can you reduce your risk?
Follow along for the answers to these pressing questions and more as we discuss the second human bird flu death.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the 71st confirmed United States human case of bird flu involves a never-before-seen strain in humans.
The H5N5 strain.
The strain has been identified in birds. Both wild birds and domestic birds. Even some non-human mammals. But it is the first time it has been detected in humans.
Globally.
Not only has it shown to be rare, but it also appears to be highly pathogenic.
All other human strains of bird flu have involved the H5N1 strain. Other than the death of a Louisiana man in January 2025, cases have been mild.
Reports indicate that the patient, an “adult with underlying medical conditions,” developed symptoms (including a fever) during the week ending in October 25, 2025. Two weeks later, the patient was hospitalized. Reports indicate that within another two weeks, on November 21, 2025, the patient died.
Less than a month after initial symptoms.
The Washington State Public Health investigation indicated that the patient kept backyard poultry and domestic birds. Sampling conducted by Washington State Department of Public Health revealed the presence of avian flu. Making it a potential source of their illness.
Those who were in close contact with the patient are being actively monitored and additional epidemiological investigations are underway.
Reports indicate that Washington state has detected dozens of bird flu in wild birds, waterfowl, and backyard poultry over the past few weeks. Part of a “seasonal spike in activity.”
Officials say that “The risk to the public remains low. No other people involved have tested positive for avian influenza. Public health officials will continue to monitor anyone who was in close contact with the patient for symptoms to ensure that human-to-human spread has not occurred.”
Bird flu, or avian influenza, is exactly what it sounds like. A flu that primarily affects birds.
But does it?
It turns out, people can get bird flu. And not just from birds. Many cases of human bird flu have been contracted from dairy cattle.
You read that correctly.
This unfortunate development has been persisting for about a year now.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) there have been 71 cases of bird flu in humans and two cases involving human bird flu death.
Of the 71 cases, 41 have been linked to dairy cattle herds, 24 have been linked to poultry farms and culling operations, three have been associated with “other animal exposure,” and three have been from “exposure source unknown.”
California has been the most impacted with 38 cases of human bird flu in the state. Of that total, 36 were from dairy cattle herds and two were from unknown exposure sources.
Oregon came in second with 12 cases of human bird flu. Almost all (11) were from poultry farms/culling operations. The remaining cases were from an unknown animal source.
Colorado came in third with 10 cases of human bird flu. Of which nine have been linked to poultry farms/culling operations and one to dairy cattle herds.
Michigan had two cases. Both from dairy cattle herds. Nevada, Oregon, and Texas each had one case each, linked to dairy cattle herds. Iowa, Ohio, and Wisconsin have had one case each, linked to poultry farms/culling operations. Louisiana, Missouri, and Wyoming have one case each, linked to “other animal exposure.”
Human infection with bird flu viruses present a spectrum of illness. From mild upper respiratory tract symptoms all the way to severe, life-threatening conditions.
Some of the common symptoms include:
Some people are infected with bird flu and show no symptoms at all. In these cases, their diagnosis comes up during surveillance testing after known exposure.
Both the WHO and Washington Department of Health have issues reminders urging people to get their seasonal flu vaccines.
Why is this important. Bird flu, after all, is a different virus.
“While the seasonal flu vaccine will not prevent bird flu infection,” says a Washington Department of Health statement, “it reduces the risk of becoming sick with both human and avian influenza viruses at the same time.”
If someone becomes sick with both viruses, it could lead to mutations.
“Though unlikely, infection with both viruses could result in the emergence of an avian influenza virus that is more easily transmitted from person to person.”
There are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of contracting bird flu
Raw or undercooked foods (especially poultry meat and eggs), along with unpasteurized (raw milk) and raw cheeses can carry risk of spreading bird flu to humans. The same goes for animals, so it is a good idea to refrain from feeding these products to your pets as well.
If you see a sick or dead animal (bird or mammal), do not touch it. Report the deceased animal to the local wildlife or veterinary authorities and request their removal.
Backyard poultry are a great source of nutritious eggs and serve many additional purposes. But they can become sick and spread illness. Pay attention to their behavior and health. Contact your local veterinary authority if you suspect that they have bird flu. Wear respiratory protection when cleaning out their coop and wash your hands and change shoes before entering your home after interacting with them or their environment.
The Make Food Safe blog is closely following this human bird flu death and the new strain of avian influenza.
If you’d like to know more about food safety topics in the news, like “Second Human Bird Flu Death Confirmed in Washington State,” check out the Make Food Safe Blog. We regularly update trending topics, foodborne infections in the news, recalls, and more! Stay tuned for quality information to help keep your family safe, while The Lange Law Firm, PLLC strives to Make Food Safe!
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)
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