A Washington State resident has been hospitalized with an H5N5 bird flu infection, marking the first reported human case in the U.S. in nine months. Despite the low overall public threat assessed by federal officials, this case is significant due to the novel strain not previously identified in humans. The patient, an older adult from Grays Harbor County with pre-existing medical conditions, has been in the hospital since early November. Health and agricultural agencies are investigating the source of the virus, with backyard poultry being a potential suspect. Avian influenza, which can be transmitted through infected animal saliva, mucus, and feces, has been linked to dairy cattle milk. The outbreak, which began in January 2022, has seen more mammal infections than previous episodes, though no human-to-human transmission has been confirmed in the U.S. Researchers emphasize the virus's 'pandemic potential,' with Dr. Richard Webby noting the uncertainty around its evolution. The CDC reports 70 human cases during the current outbreak, with one fatality in January. Most cases are mild, but some individuals have experienced severe illness. The agency advises people who handle animals to wear protective gear and take precautions with animal waste. Public health officials also recommend the seasonal flu vaccine to reduce the risk of simultaneous infection with both bird flu and standard influenza viruses, which could potentially lead to more easily transmissible mutations.
