Washington State Health Department Confirms Human H5N5 Avian Flu Infection in Grays Harbor County
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Nov 15, 2025 3 hours, 33 minutes ago
Medical News: First Recorded Human H5N5 Case Confirmed in Washington
Health authorities in Washington State have verified a human infection with the H5N5 avian influenza strain in Grays Harbor County, the first documented case of this subtype in a person anywhere in the world. The patient, an older adult with underlying medical conditions, was hospitalized after developing serious flu-like symptoms in early November. Laboratory testing confirmed influenza A H5, and further analysis identified the virus specifically as H5N5. Despite the rarity of this event, officials continue to state that the overall danger to the public remains low.
A first human case of H5N5 has been confirmed in Grays Harbor County
Investigations Point Toward Exposure to Infected Birds
The infected individual kept a backyard flock that had contact with wild birds, making animal exposure the most likely source of infection. According to this
Medical News report, state and county health teams and agricultural authorities are conducting detailed investigations to determine whether other animals or individuals may have been exposed. At this stage, officials say there is no indication of wider transmission within the community, but monitoring of nearby flocks and people who had close interaction with the patient is ongoing.
Understanding the H5N5 Avian Influenza Strain
Avian influenza viruses circulate naturally among wild aquatic birds and can spread to domestic poultry. In uncommon situations, they can infect humans through direct contact with sick or deceased birds. Previous avian influenza cases in the United States have shown a spectrum of outcomes, from mild illness to severe respiratory complications. The risk level increases during colder months when migratory birds spread viruses to farms and backyard flocks, raising the possibility of human exposure.
Human-to-human transmission of avian influenza has never been documented in the United States. Nonetheless, public health officials are taking preventive steps by offering testing and guidance to individuals who may have had relevant exposure.
Public Safety Measures and Key Recommendations
People who have regular contact with birds or livestock should wear gloves, masks, and eye protection. Backyard poultry owners should avoid handling sick or dead birds and report unusual illness to state agricultural authorities. Residents are advised not to touch dead wildlife and to keep pets away from such animals. Seasonal flu vaccination is recommended to reduce the chance of simultaneous infection with human and avian influenza viruses, a combination that could potentially create additional risks.
Reference:
https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/h5n5-avian-influenza-confirmed-grays-harbor-county-resident
For the latest on H5N5 Avian Flu, keep on logging to Thailand
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Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/influenza-or-flu
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/h5n1-avian-flu
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