Washington resident dies from bird flu after cattle exposure
Yakima County officials confirmed the death on Sunday, marking the first U.S. fatality from avian influenza in twelve months.
By Jabari Long ·
A resident of Yakima County, Washington, died from complications of bird flu, local health officials confirmed on Sunday. This is the first recorded U.S. death from the virus in a year. The individual had pre-existing health conditions and was hospitalized before passing away.
County officials stated that the patient was exposed to avian influenza at a dairy farm where cattle were infected. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified the specific strain as H5N1. Authorities did not release additional personal details about the deceased.
Two other Americans have died from bird flu since the virus became a national public health concern in 2024. An elderly person in Louisiana died in January 2025 from H5N1. A second person in Washington state died in November 2025 from a rarer strain called H5N5.
Yakima County officials reported that 33 dairy herds recently tested positive for H5N1. Three human infections are linked to exposure at dairy facilities. The Yakima Health District is currently working with the state health department to identify close contacts of those infected individuals. Officials are monitoring these contacts for symptoms.
The H5N1 virus has spread among wild birds, poultry, and cows for several years. Health concerns rose in early 2024 when the virus appeared in U.S. livestock. The CDC says more than 70 human infections have been reported in the U.S. since the start of 2024. The agency notes that there is no known person-to-person spread and that the risk to the general public remains low.
A CDC spokesperson said on Monday that genetic analysis of the virus from the deceased Washington resident showed no changes that would make the virus spread more easily or cause more severe illness. Officials continue to advise people who handle sick or dead birds to wear respiratory and eye protection along with gloves. Farm workers are considered at higher risk for exposure.
The Yakima Health District is coordinating with state health officials to track potential exposures. The CDC continues to monitor the genetic sequence of the virus in the United States.
