Farm Workers Sound Alarm on Underreported Bird Flu Numbers

An outbreak of the H5 influenza virus in Washington State's Yakima Valley has led to a higher number of infections among farm workers than initially reported, according to a union representing the workers. The United Farm Workers (UFW) claims that over 30 dairy herds have been infected, causing at least one death, while county officials report only three infected individuals.

The UFW argues that the true extent of the infection is being underreported, stating that they have confirmed that more workers have contracted avian flu symptoms but have not been tested. Symptoms range from mild upper respiratory infections to severe cases with bone pain, severe coughing, and high fever. The UFW suggests that the ongoing ICE surge in the Yakima Valley has made it difficult for workers to engage with public agencies and has led to reluctance in reporting infections due to fears of employer retaliation and the lack of proper sick pay and personal protective equipment (PPE) training.

The Yakima County health board confirmed the death of an individual with underlying health conditions who died after contracting avian flu from exposure to infected cattle. Two other deaths have been linked to the virus since it gained national attention in 2024. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported over 70 human infections across the U.S. since the outbreak began, although there have been no recorded instances of human-to-human transmission, and the risk to the general public remains low.

The UFW emphasizes the importance of protecting dairy workers, stating that they are the frontline defense against the virus. They remind consumers that pasteurized milk poses no reasonable risk of infection.