What is the new H5N5 bird flu strain?

H5N5 is a strain of avian influenza previously detected only in animals, which has now caused its first known human fatality.

How did the Washington resident get H5N5?

It is believed the patient contracted the virus through exposure to their backyard flock of domestic birds, where the strain was also found.

Is the H5N5 bird flu a threat to the public?

Health officials state the risk to the public remains low, and there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission so far.

Home / Health / New Bird Flu Strain Kills First Human Victim

New Bird Flu Strain Kills First Human Victim

22 Nov

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Summary

First known human death worldwide from H5N5 bird flu strain.
Patient was an older adult with underlying conditions.
Infection likely stemmed from exposure to domestic birds.

New Bird Flu Strain Kills First Human Victim

A Washington state resident has tragically died from H5N5 bird flu, a strain of avian influenza never before recorded in humans. This marks the first known human fatality globally from this particular strain. The deceased was an older adult with pre-existing health conditions who was hospitalized with severe symptoms, including high fever and breathing difficulties.

Officials suspect the infection originated from the patient's backyard flock of domestic birds, where the H5N5 strain was also detected. While investigations are ongoing, public health authorities have assessed the risk to the general population as low. Close contacts of the patient have been monitored, with no additional cases of avian influenza identified so far.

Experts note that this event underscores the unpredictable nature of viral evolution. Although the H5N5 strain is new to humans, there is currently no evidence to suggest it is more infectious or severe than other bird flu strains. The CDC continues to actively monitor H5 bird flu in wild birds, poultry, and dairy cows, while also tracking human cases.