[germainebull]

The Washington State Department of Health has confirmed the first human death from H5N5 avian influenza. The deceased was a Grays Harbor County resident and was an elderly man with pre-existing health conditions. Authorities said they would not release his name or other personal details out of respect for the family.

They stressed the risk to the public remains low and no other people have tested positive. Those who were in close contact with the patient are being monitored to ensure there is no human-to-human spread. There is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission. The source of the infection is believed to have been a backyard flock of domestic birds.

H5N5 is a subtype of bird flu that does not appear to be more dangerous to humans than H5N1. H5N1 has caused about 70 cases in the United States in 2024 and 2025, most of them mild, in poultry and dairy farm workers. The difference between H5N5 and H5N1 lies in a protein that helps the virus spread from one cell to another.

Authorities say birds and animals infected with avian influenza spread the virus through saliva, mucous and feces. So far, Washington has reported cases of H5 since October 2024, but there is still no evidence of person-to-person transmission.


Source: DW

[Angie10]

Now watch them scramble around and blame it all on someone else like the Democratcs, or specifically, Biden It'd be interesting to hear what RFK Jr.'s 'gold standard science' has to say about the situation. Lord, that guy is WEIRD!!!

[germainebull]

Obviously politicians will start blaming everyone without looking at the facts. The reality is that a health crisis requires science and clear communication, not finger pointing. People like to include the names of politicians, but the truth is that public safety is the priority. We must pay attention to updates and listen to experts. Rumors and drama don't help anything in a situation like this.

[Tendz]

Sad to hear about the first death from H5N5. People need to be careful around sick birds and follow health officials advice to prevent the virus from spreading.