H5N1 claims first American life in 12 months as dairy exposure fuels new fatality
The first U.S. death in a year from bird flu was linked to infected cattle, with no evidence of person-to-person spread.
By Samir Doyle ·
A resident of Yakima County, Washington, died on Sunday from complications of avian influenza. The death marks the first U.S. fatality from the virus in the past year. County health officials stated the individual had preexisting health conditions and was hospitalized before their death. The CDC confirmed the strain was H5N1, the version of bird flu that has been affecting livestock since 2024.
The victim was exposed to the virus at a dairy with infected cattle. Yakima County officials have not released further details about the deceased. The Yakima Health District is coordinating with the state health department to identify and monitor close contacts for symptoms. Three human infections have been linked to exposure at a dairy in the region.
Infections among U.S. livestock began spreading in early 2024, raising public health concerns. The virus has been present in wild birds, poultry, and cows for several years. The CDC reports that more than 70 human infections have occurred in the United States since the start of 2024. Two other deaths have been tied to bird flu during this period. An elderly person in Louisiana died from H5N1 in January 2025, and a Washington state resident died from the rarer H5N5 strain in November 2025.
A CDC spokesperson said on Monday that genetic analysis of the virus from the Washington patient showed no changes. The analysis found no signs that the virus spreads more easily or causes more severe illness. The agency maintains that there is no known person-to-person spread. The risk to the general public remains low.
Yakima County officials reported that 33 dairy herds recently tested positive for H5N1. The presence of the virus in the environment increases the likelihood of human exposure. Health officials urge individuals with contact with sick or dead birds to take precautions. These measures include wearing respiratory and eye protection, as well as gloves, when handling poultry.
People who work on farms are considered at higher risk for infection. The CDC continues to monitor the virus as it circulates among animals. The agency analyzes genetic sequences to track mutations and assess potential impacts on human health.
More Business · Buyer Beware · Report a business · Got a Story?
