First Human Influenza A(H5N5) Fatality Reported in the USA

The Washington State Department of Health (WDOH) recently confirmed the death of an older adult from Grays Harbor County related to a specific type of 'bird flu.' The individual had underlying health conditions and was receiving treatment for an infection of the H5N5 avian influenza virus.

This report from WDOH, issued on November 21, 2025, marks the first human case of avian influenza A (H5N5) reported worldwide.

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson stated in a Facebook post, "My condolences to this individual's family and loved ones. Thank you to the dedicated medical professionals who cared for them, and to the public health experts working to monitor the situation and educate the public."

This person had a backyard flock of mixed domestic birds. DOH sampling identified avian influenza virus in the environment of the flock, making exposure to the domestic poultry, their environment, or wild birds the most likely source of exposure for this patient. People who had exposure to the backyard flock and its environment are also being monitored by local health authorities for symptoms.

The WDOG says the risk to the public remains low as no other people involved have tested positive for avian influenza.

Public health officials will continue to monitor anyone who was in close contact with the patient for symptoms to ensure that human-to-human spread has not occurred. There is no evidence of transmission of this virus between people.

From a prevention perspective, at least 20 H5 influenza vaccines are licensed worldwide.

As of November 25, 2025, U.S. FDA-approved avian influenza vaccines are not commercially available in the USA.