Story perspectives

First U.S. Human Case of H5N5 Bird Flu Confirmed

11/20/2025

Summary

Story summary

A Grays Harbor County, Washington resident is hospitalized with H5N5, the first U.S. human case of this bird flu strain.
The patient is an older adult with pre-existing health issues and developed symptoms in early November after contact with backyard poultry exposed to wild birds.
The Washington State Department of Health says public risk remains low because human transmission is extremely rare, and officials urge poultry precautions plus flu vaccination.

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Story summary

A Grays Harbor County, Washington resident is hospitalized with H5N5, the first U.S. human case of this bird flu strain.
The patient is an older adult with pre-existing health issues and developed symptoms in early November after contact with backyard poultry exposed to wild birds.
The Washington State Department of Health says public risk remains low because human transmission is extremely rare, and officials urge poultry precautions plus flu vaccination.