Washington resident dies of avian influenza following cattle exposure
A resident of Washington state has died after contracting avian influenza, marking the first U.S. fatality from the virus in approximately a year.
The individual, residing in Yakima County and with pre-existing health conditions, was exposed to avian influenza at a dairy farm experiencing infections in cattle. They were subsequently hospitalized, according to a statement released Sunday by county health officials.
Prior to this incident, two other deaths in the U.S. have been connected to bird flu since it emerged as a public health concern in 2024. An elderly person in Louisiana died in January 2025 from the H5N1 strain, while another Washington state resident succumbed in November 2025 to a less common variant, H5N5.
Details regarding the deceased individual have not been publicly disclosed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the infection was caused by the H5N1 virus.
Yakima County officials have reported that 33 dairy herds have recently tested positive for H5N1.
Three human infections have been linked to exposure at dairies. The Yakima Health District is collaborating with the state health department to identify and monitor individuals who had close contact with those infected, watching for any signs of illness.
The H5N1 bird flu has been circulating among wild birds, poultry, cows, and other animals for several years. Concerns heightened in early 2024 when the virus began spreading among U.S. livestock, increasing the potential for human exposure.
The CDC reports over 70 human infections in the U.S. since the beginning of 2024. While person-to-person transmission has not been observed, and the overall risk to the public remains low, officials continue to monitor the situation.
A CDC spokesperson stated Monday that genetic analysis of the virus from the deceased Washington resident revealed no mutations suggesting increased transmissibility or severity.
Authorities are advising individuals who handle sick or deceased birds to take precautions, including using respiratory and eye protection, as well as gloves. Those working on farms are considered to be at a higher risk of exposure.
Source
“Washington state resident dies from bird flu following exposure to infected cattle”
Read the original report ↗This story is an AI-assisted version of the original report, checked and edited by the Plainwire desk before publication. Read our editorial policy · Report an error
Read next
Understanding your travel insurance: what’s typically included?
Travel insurance offers protection against a range of potential issues, including trip cancellations or interruptions, lost baggage, emergency…
Related
Caught up in five lines
The Brief: the day’s biggest stories, written by our desk at and .