First U.S. Bird Flu Death of 2026 Confirmed Following Washington Resident's Exposure to Infected Dairy Cows
Learn how the spread of H5N1 avian influenza among dairy farms in Washington State led to the first human bird flu death in the U.S. in 2026.
In Washington state, the first confirmed death due to bird flu in 2026 has been reported, according to a recent announcement. The victim, who was a resident of the state, contracted avian influenza, also known as bird flu, after exposure to infected dairy cows. The death occurred as a result of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1, which has been spreading among dairy cattle in the Yakima County region.
As of October 30, 2026, 40 herds in the county had been infected with H5N1. The virus responsible for the death is believed to be a cow-adapted strain known as B3.13, which has been circulating in dairy cattle since 2024. Health officials in the Yakima Health District have assured the public that the risk of avian influenza infection remains low, but those working on farms in the county are being advised to adhere to safety guidelines while health officials investigate the virus' spread.
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