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

A Washington state resident with pre-existing health issues passed away from complications of bird flu, marking the first such death in the U.S. since 2024. The individual, who resided in Yakima County, contracted the highly contagious avian influenza (H5N1) virus while handling cattle at an infected dairy farm. The person was hospitalized before succumbing to the illness on Sunday.

This unfortunate incident brings the total number of U.S. bird flu-related deaths to three since the virus was declared a national public health concern in 2024. The first fatality was a Louisiana resident who contracted H5N1 in January of the same year. The second death occurred in Washington state in November 2025 and resulted from a rarer strain known as H5N5.

Yakima County officials have not disclosed further information regarding the victim of the most recent fatality. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that the deceased individual was infected with H5N1. Recent testing has revealed that 33 dairy herds across the state have tested positive for the virus. Additionally, three human infections have been traced back to exposure at a dairy farm.

The Yakima Health District is collaborating with the state health department to identify and monitor individuals who were in close contact with the infected person. Bird flu has been spreading among wild birds, poultry, and livestock across the nation for several years. However, health officials have emphasized that the risk to the general public remains low, as there is no evidence of person-to-person transmission.

A recent analysis of the genetic sequence of the virus responsible for the Washington resident's death revealed no mutations that would enhance its transmissibility or severity, according to a CDC spokesperson. Health experts continue to advise individuals who come into contact with sick or deceased birds to take necessary precautions, such as wearing respiratory protection, eye protection, and gloves when handling poultry. Farmworkers are considered to be at a higher risk of exposure.