Washington state resident dies from bird flu following exposure to infected cattle

Washington state witnessed its first fatality linked to bird flu in 2025, as a resident died after exposure to infected cattle. The individual, residing in Yakima County, had pre-existing health conditions and was hospitalized before succumbing to complications on Sunday. This marks the third U.S. death associated with bird flu since it garnered national public health concern in 2024.

Prior to this, an elderly person in Louisiana succumbed to H5N1 bird flu in January 2025, while a third fatality occurred in Washington in November 2025 due to a less common strain, H5N5. County health officials have not disclosed further specifics about the deceased individual. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the victim was infected with H5N1.

Recently, 33 dairy herds in Yakima County tested positive for H5N1, with three human infections traced back to exposure at a dairy. The Yakima Health District is collaborating with the state health department to identify individuals who were in close contact with the infected person and monitor them for symptoms. Bird flu, particularly H5N1, has been prevalent among wild birds, poultry, and cattle for years, with heightened health concerns noted in early 2024 due to its spread among U.S. livestock.

The CDC reports over 70 human infections across the U.S. since the start of 2024, though no documented cases of human-to-human transmission have been identified. The risk to the general public remains low, according to the agency. Genetic analysis of the virus from the Washington fatality revealed no alterations that would enhance its transmissibility or severity.

Public health officials continue to advise individuals in contact with sick or deceased birds to employ protective measures, such as respiratory and eye protection as well as gloves during poultry handling. Workers on farms are deemed to face a higher risk. The Associated Press, the news agency covering this story, relies on financial support from the AP Fund for Journalism and private foundations, with sole responsibility for all content.