A new case of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has been preliminarily identified in Grays Harbor County, Washington, according to the Washington State Department of Health. The patient, described as an older adult with underlying health conditions, developed a high fever, respiratory distress, and confusion in early November and remains hospitalized in King County. Confirmatory testing is pending, but if validated, this will mark the first documented human case of bird flu in Washington for 2025.

State officials note that the risk for avian influenza rises in autumn and winter as migratory birds can transmit the virus to both commercial poultry and backyard flocks. The investigation is ongoing to determine if the patient was infected through contact with wild or domestic birds. Public health officials are actively reaching out to anyone who had close contact with the patient to monitor for symptoms and provide testing as necessary. The Department of Health emphasizes that transmission of bird flu from person to person remains extremely rare and has not been documented in the United States.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been 71 reported human cases of H5 bird flu in the U.S. since 2024, most of which involved close contact with infected dairy herds or poultry. California leads with the highest number of reported cases. Louisiana recorded the nation’s first H5 bird flu-related death earlier this year. The CDC continues to stress that the current public health risk remains low, and authorities are monitoring the situation closely.

On the global front, the spread of avian influenza among wild birds continues to be a concern for agriculture and food security. While the majority of recent cases are linked to animal exposure, there are still calls for enhanced surveillance and biosecurity measures. Officials strongly advise people not to consume raw or unpasteurized animal products, including milk, and to ensure poultry and eggs are thoroughly cooked.

As a preventative measure, the seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for everyone over six months old. This does not prevent bird flu directly, but reduces the likelihood of concurrent infection with both human and avian influenza viruses.

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