Washington resident hospitalized with virus never before seen in humans

A Washington state resident has been hospitalized with a severe case of H5N5 bird flu, a strain never before confirmed in humans. The patient, an older adult with preexisting health conditions, was admitted in early November after experiencing high fever, confusion, and breathing difficulties.

Initially treated in Grays Harbor County, the individual was later transferred to a specialist hospital in King County for further care. Lab tests confirmed the virus as H5N5, previously only detected in animals. Experts note that all past human cases involved H5N1.

Officials emphasized that while the virus’s appearance in humans is concerning, there is no evidence it is more infectious or severe than other bird flu strains. Dr. Beth Lipton, the state public health veterinarian, stressed the public risk remains low.

The patient likely contracted the virus through exposure to wild or domestic birds. They own a mixed backyard flock, two of which died recently from an unknown illness, though the rest remain healthy. Transmission can occur via saliva, droppings, or handling infected birds.

Authorities have traced and tested individuals in contact with the patient, with no additional cases reported so far. Virologist Dr. Angela Rasmussen highlighted the unpredictable nature of H5N5 and the need for thorough outbreak investigation.

Since the outbreak began in January 2022, 71 people in the U.S. have been infected, with one death. Bird flu has affected millions of wild and domestic birds and over 1,000 dairy herds, raising concerns about poultry shortages.

Experts caution that the virus could potentially evolve to spread between humans, but the CDC maintains the current public risk is low. Surveillance and monitoring continue nationwide to track any potential human cases.