A Yakima County, Washington, resident has died after developing severe bird flu, local health officials said. The death is a rare fatal human case of the virus in the United States.
The person had underlying health conditions and was hospitalized after being exposed to infected livestock at a local dairy facility. Officials have not released the person’s name, age or gender, citing privacy concerns.
“Our hearts go out to the individual’s family and loved ones during this difficult time,” Yakima Health District health officer Dr. Dave Atteberry said in a statement. He added that bird flu can be especially serious for people with existing health conditions, though the risk to the general public remains low.
On Monday, officials also confirmed a third human case in Yakima County. That person had been exposed to infected dairy cattle at a local farm but has not been hospitalized or become seriously ill.
Public health teams are monitoring close contacts of both people for symptoms. Dairy workers and others who spend time around infected animals or contaminated environments face a higher risk of exposure, the health district said. Workers who develop symptoms after possible contact with infected cattle should contact a health care provider or the district.
Bird flu is caused by influenza A viruses, which typically spread among wild aquatic birds and domestic poultry. In recent years, the H5N1 strain has also infected mammals, including dairy cows and other livestock.
Federal and state officials say the risk to the wider public remains low. Person-to-person spread is extremely rare, and no such transmission has been identified in the United States, according to the CDC.
Agricultural workers, veterinarians and others with close, prolonged contact with infected animals, raw milk or contaminated manure are at greatest risk. Commercially pasteurized milk and properly cooked poultry are considered safe because heat kills the virus.
Health officials advise people not to handle sick or dead wild birds or livestock. Dairy and farm workers should use recommended protective equipment, including N95 respirators, goggles and fluid-resistant gloves, when working with potentially infected animals or contaminated surfaces. Anyone who develops breathing or eye symptoms after animal exposure should seek medical care promptly.
The Yakima Health District updates local bird flu case counts and guidance twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays at 2 p.m.
