New H5N5 strain detected in hospitalised patient with low public risk, officials say
Health authorities in Washington state have confirmed a human case of bird flu — the first in the U.S. since February — involving a strain that had never before been seen in people, though experts emphasise the risk to the broader public remains low.
What Happened
An older adult in Grays Harbor County, Washington, who has preexisting health conditions, was hospitalized in early November with symptoms including high fever, confusion and respiratory distress. Public health officials have now confirmed that the patient is infected with the H5N5 avian influenza virus, a strain previously observed in animals but not known to infect humans until now.
This case marks a significant development: it is the first human H5N5 infection documented in the U.S., and the first human bird flu case in the country in roughly nine months. State and federal health agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are coordinating closely on the investigation.
How It May Have Happened
Officials believe the most likely source of infection is exposure to birds, possibly wild or domestic. The patient reportedly lives with a mixed backyard flock, which has had contact with wild birds. Public health and agricultural teams are working to trace how the virus may have jumped to the individual.
Because H5N5 has been identified in bird populations before, authorities are treating this as a spillover event rather than a case of sustained human-to-human spread. So far, no additional infections have been linked to the patient, and no transmission to close contacts has been confirmed.
What Experts Are Saying
Public health experts are taking the case seriously, but they also caution against panic. While H5N1 — another avian flu strain — has drawn more attention in prior human cases, virologists say H5N5 does not necessarily pose a greater threat in its current form. As one scientist put it, for the virus to adapt into a more transmissible form in humans, “a lot of the biological stars would have to align.”
Still, the situation is being monitored closely. The CDC and Washington health officials are conducting thorough contact tracing, testing those who were exposed, and watching for any signs of further spread.
Risk to the Public
According to state health authorities, the risk to the general public is low at this time. The confirmed patient’s case is being handled with strict infection control. Meanwhile, public health teams are notifying and testing anyone who may have had close contact.
Washington’s Department of Health also emphasized that while bird flu viruses remain a concern, the broader population is not currently at high risk — especially outside of people with close contact to birds.
Bigger Picture: Bird Flu in Washington and Beyond
Washington state has experienced extensive bird-flu activity in birds (both wild and domestic), including in poultry farms and backyard flocks. The state’s Department of Health notes that avian influenza has been circulating in both wild birds and domestic poultry, and it proactively tracks human exposures to potential virus sources.
This latest case adds to ongoing concerns about how these avian viruses are evolving. Though past human infections have often been linked to very specific exposures — such as working with poultry or dairy cattle — this case underscores the unpredictable nature of spillover events.
Why This Is Important
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New Strain, New Questions: The detection of H5N5 in a human raises questions about how often such crossover infections go unnoticed, and whether other rare strains might also be lurking.
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Precedent for Monitoring: This incident could strengthen calls for more rigorous surveillance of bird flu in both animals and humans, especially among those with direct bird exposure.
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Preparedness & Research: Health officials may use this case to expand research into vaccines, treatments, and early-warning systems for novel bird flu strains.
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Public Communication: Clear messaging is vital to reassure the public that risk is low, while maintaining vigilance in high-risk settings (like poultry farms or backyard flocks).
What Comes Next
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Ongoing Investigation: State and federal health teams will continue tracing the source of the infection and testing birds in the patient’s area.
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Close Monitoring: Public health officials are keeping a close eye on anyone who had contact with the patient for signs of illness.
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Enhanced Surveillance: The case may prompt health agencies to increase avian influenza surveillance among high-risk groups (e.g., poultry workers, bird-owners).
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Communication Strategy: Authorities will likely update guidance on how people should protect themselves when around sick or wild birds, reinforcing simple precautions like wearing gloves or properly disinfecting bird feeders.
Final Thought
The confirmed human infection of H5N5 bird flu in Washington state represents an unusual but contained event — a reminder that animal viruses continue to pose potential threats. While the immediate risk to the public is low, the case underscores the need for vigilance, robust monitoring, and clear communication as health officials work to prevent further spillover.
