Second U.S. Bird-Flu Fatality of 2025 Recorded in Washington State

Health officials confirmed Saturday that an older adult in Grays Harbor County has died after contracting a rare strain of bird flu — the second human bird-flu death in the U.S. in 2025

The patient, who had underlying health conditions, was hospitalized earlier in November with a high fever, respiratory distress, and confusion. Laboratory tests at the University of Washington Medicine Clinical Virology Lab identified the virus as the H5N5 subtype, a strain that is rarely reported in humans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the diagnosis State investigators carried out environmental testing at the individual’s property, including around their backyard flock of domestic birds. They found the same virus in the bird coop and surrounding areas, suggesting the infection was likely transmitted through contact with domestic poultry or contaminated surfaces Authorities say there is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission. Officials are closely monitoring individuals who may have had contact with the patient or their flock, but caution the risk to the general public remains low. This case follows an earlier fatality in January 2025 in Louisiana, where a man infected with the H5N1 strain of avian influenza died after exposure to infected birds. That death was the first human bird-flu fatality in the U.S. this year Public health experts say that even though bird-flu infections in humans are still relatively rare, each case represents a serious reminder of the risk posed by zoonotic diseases — those that can jump from animals to people. The emergence of a new strain like H5N5 in humans underscores the need for ongoing surveillance and prompt investigation of animal-to-human spillovers State and federal health agencies are urging people who keep backyard poultry or work with wild birds to take precautions. Recommended steps include isolating sick birds, reporting unusual illness or bird deaths, using protective clothing, and maintaining strict hygiene. While seasonal flu vaccines do not protect against bird flu, experts say getting vaccinated remains important. Reducing co-infection with seasonal influenza can lower the risk of viral mutations that might lead to greater transmissibility. The CDC continues to analyze the virus’s genetic material to assess whether it is adapting in a way that could increase risks to humans. Health authorities emphasize that, at present, there is no cause for alarm — but vigilance is critical.