The Washington State Department of Health has confirmed that a resident died after contracting the H5N5 strain of avian influenza, marking what is believed to be the first recorded human case globally. The deceased was an older adult with underlying health conditions and had been hospitalized in Kings County earlier this month.
Local health officials have stated that while this development raises concerns about cross-species transmission, the risk to the general public remains low as there has been no evidence of human-to-human spread so far. The patient was from Grays Harbor County and received treatment at a hospital in Seattle’s Kings County before succumbing to the infection.
Health experts are closely monitoring this case for any signs of further transmission or mutation that could pose greater risks to public health. For now, they emphasize preventive measures such as avoiding contact with sick or dead birds and practicing good hygiene.
