Washington Man Contracts Rare Bird Flu Strain, H5N5: What You Need to Know
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A Washington state resident has been hospitalized with a severe case of bird flu, marking the first time the H5N5 strain has been detected in a human. The patient, who is older and has underlying health conditions, is believed to have been exposed to the virus through his backyard flock of domestic poultry or wild birds. According to the Washington State Department of Health, the H5N5 strain is a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus that has caused widespread animal outbreaks since its emergence in 2020. The virus, a subtype of avian influenza carried by wild birds like ducks and geese, can be deadly to domestic birds such as chickens and turkeys. While transmission of avian influenza between humans is extremely rare and has never been documented in the US, public health experts are taking precautions to investigate the source of the outbreak and prevent further spread. The Washington State Department of Health is working with local health officials and the Washington State Department of Agriculture to complete exposure and animal health investigations. As of now, public health disease experts have not identified any increased risk to the public. However, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting oneself and one's animals from bird flu, especially in areas where wild birds are present.
