1st human known to be infected with H5N5 strain of bird flu dies, Washington state officials say. This news, frankly, is a little unsettling. The headline itself is a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of infectious diseases, and the potential for a virus to jump species. The Washington State Department of Health, in their news release, stated the unfortunate news: a person, an older adult with underlying health conditions, has succumbed to the H5N5 strain of avian influenza.
The good news, as health officials have emphasized, is that there is no evidence of the virus spreading between people. This is the crucial point that provides some measure of relief.… Continue reading
AP News reports that a Washington state resident has been diagnosed with H5N5 bird flu, marking the first human case in the nation since February. This is the first known human infection with this specific strain of bird flu. Health officials have stated that the H5N5 virus is not considered a greater threat to human health than the H5N1 virus. The infected individual, who has underlying health conditions, had exposure to domestic poultry which is believed to be the most likely source of the infection.
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**1st US human bird flu case in 9 months confirmed with strain only seen in animals before**
This latest news is that a resident of Washington state has contracted bird flu, making it the first confirmed human case in the United States in nine months.
The patient, described as an older adult with underlying health conditions, started showing symptoms in early November. These included a high fever, confusion, and respiratory distress, which led to hospitalization.
The specific strain identified in the patient is H5N5, a type of bird flu that’s previously been observed in animals. The Washington State Department of Health has confirmed that this is the first time this specific strain has been found in a human.… Continue reading
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has ended its emergency response to H5N1 bird flu, citing a decrease in cases and the absence of human cases since February 2025. While the emergency response has been deactivated, surveillance, readiness, and response for influenza, including H5N1, will continue under existing programs. The emergency response, which began on April 4, 2024, allowed for additional public health support. Experts note the seasonality of bird flu, with potential for cases to rise again in the fall or winter, but the current public health risk remains low.
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This flu season has witnessed a tragically high number of pediatric deaths, surpassing all years since the 2009 H1N1 pandemic with 216 fatalities reported thus far. This alarming figure is likely an undercount, with the final tally expected to rise further. A significant contributing factor is the decreased flu vaccination rate among children, falling from 64% five years ago to 49% this season. While the season has been severe overall, impacting millions with illness and thousands with death, indicators suggest a decline in flu activity since February.
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A single sheep in Yorkshire, England tested positive for the H5N1 bird flu virus, marking the first known case of the virus in sheep globally. The infected animal was culled, and biosecurity measures were immediately implemented to prevent further spread. While the risk to livestock and the public remains low, officials urge animal owners to maintain strict cleanliness and report any signs of infection. Experts continue to monitor the virus’s evolution and spread across various animal species, emphasizing the low risk of human-to-human transmission.
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Two individuals, one in Wyoming and one in Ohio, were hospitalized with H5N1 bird flu, highlighting the virus’s potential severity. The Wyoming patient, exposed to infected poultry, remains hospitalized, while the Ohio patient, exposed during poultry depopulation, has recovered. These cases underscore concerns about reassortment with seasonal flu, potentially creating a pandemic-capable virus, given the current severe flu season. Prior H1N1 infection may offer some cross-protection, but its extent remains uncertain.
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H5N1 bird flu has spilled over into dairy cows in Nevada and Arizona, raising concerns about the virus’s spread and containment. The D1.1 variant, responsible for these spillovers and several human infections, is now considered endemic in cows, making containment unlikely without intervention. Experts propose several transmission theories, including bird-to-cow contact via contaminated feed and potentially human-to-cow spread. Simultaneously, reduced federal funding, anti-vaccine initiatives, and halted communication with the WHO hinder effective response and research efforts.
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To alleviate the U.S. egg shortage caused by a widespread avian influenza outbreak affecting nearly 129 million birds, Turkey has agreed to export 15,000 tonnes of eggs to the U.S. This shipment, lasting until July 2025, is a temporary measure supported by U.S. egg producers to stabilize prices and supply. While vaccination research is underway, widespread vaccination of poultry is currently infeasible. The agreement provides a crucial short-term solution to the ongoing crisis.
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In an effort to cut costs, the USDA inadvertently terminated several bird flu experts, a move it is now working to rectify. These terminations, part of broader federal workforce reductions, impacted essential personnel despite exemptions for veterinarians and emergency responders. The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak, responsible for the culling of 148 million birds and impacting egg prices and human health, necessitates these experts’ continued employment. These actions follow recommendations from the Department of Government Efficiency and coincide with the cancellation of numerous contracts, some related to DEI initiatives.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker