WASHINGTON – The United States has confirmed its second human death from avian influenza this year, after a Washington-state resident succumbed to the H5N5 strain — a variant previously never detected in humans. Health authorities revealed that the individual, an older adult with existing medical conditions, had been hospitalised since early November before the rare infection proved fatal.
According to officials, the victim is believed to have contracted the virus from their backyard flock, where domestic birds had shown symptoms of illness. Environmental testing conducted at the residence confirmed the presence of the H5N5 virus, leading investigators to conclude exposure to the infected birds or their immediate environment as the most likely source.
Despite the alarming development, public health agencies have clarified that there is still no evidence of human-to-human transmission, and none of the patient’s close contacts have tested positive so far. The wider public risk remains low, though authorities have urged farmers, poultry handlers, and individuals keeping backyard birds to take additional safety precautions, including wearing protective gear, maintaining strict hygiene protocols, and avoiding contact with sick or dead birds.
This marks the second such fatality this year in the U.S. — the first involved the H5N1 strain recorded in Louisiana. While over 70 human cases of bird flu have been reported since then, most have been mild and traced to direct exposure to infected animals rather than community spread.
Health officials are closely monitoring the situation given that this is the first known instance of the H5N5 subtype infecting a human globally. Experts warn that continued surveillance, early detection and strict biosecurity measures remain essential to prevent further escalation.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.