Health officials in Washington state have confirmed the first known human infection of the H5N5 bird flu strain. The patient, an older adult with existing health conditions, was hospitalised in early November after developing symptoms of avian influenza. Doctors identified the virus as Influenza A H5 and later confirmed it as the H5N5 subtype. This strain has circulated in animals and birds but has never before infected a human.
The individual keeps a backyard flock of domestic poultry. These birds had recent exposure to wild species. Investigators believe the infection most likely came from either the domestic flock or wild birds. Health teams are still working to understand the exact route of transmission.
Avian influenza mainly affects birds and spreads through respiratory secretions and droppings. Humans usually catch the virus through close and unprotected contact with infected birds or surfaces in poultry farms or live markets. The virus can spread through droplets, dust, or touching the face after handling contaminated materials.
Symptoms in humans range from mild to severe. They may include fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, and in some cases pneumonia. Health agencies urge caution, proper protective gear, and avoiding raw poultry products. They also stress strong surveillance to detect new infections early.
