The Yakima Health District announced on Sunday that a local Yakima County resident has passed away after being hospitalized with a severe illness from bird flu following contact with infected cattle at a dairy farm.
Yakima Health District Reports First Fatality and Third Human Case
The patient, who had underlying health conditions, died on Sunday from complications related to the virus, according to a news release issued by the Yakima Health District. Out of respect for the family’s privacy, health officials have not released the name, gender, or age of the individual. In the same update, the health district reported a third confirmed human case of avian influenza in another Yakima County resident who also had exposure to infected dairy cattle. That patient has not experienced severe illness and has not required hospitalization, health officials said.
The county’s initial human case linked to infected dairy cattle was confirmed on October 15, less than a week after officials verified H5N1 at two local dairy farms. Public health partners are currently working to identify and contact individuals who had close contact with both patients to monitor for symptoms.
Washington State Agriculture Officials Track Rapid Spread Across Dairies
Avian influenza has spread quickly through Washington’s agricultural sector since early October, when the Washington State Department of Agriculture confirmed the state’s first detections in two Yakima County dairy herds. By October 26, the agency reported the virus in Benton County. Infections have now been confirmed in 34 dairy herds across the state, including 33 in Yakima County and one in Benton County.
“The virus is moving fast … despite all the efforts that we’ve done within containment,” said Amber Itle, state veterinarian. Itle noted that researchers do not fully understand all mechanisms of transmission, though transferring sick dairy cows and contaminated equipment are known causes. Studies also suggest that wind, flies, and birds that may move from one farm to another may contribute to the spread. Despite the rapid movement among herds, Itle emphasized that milk from infected cows does not pose a risk for human consumption if pasteurized, and the virus has not been detected in meat.
Governor Bob Ferguson and Federal Agencies Assess Public Risk
Governor Bob Ferguson mentioned that he was currently receiving briefings regarding the matter and that his administration is working closely alongside agricultural and public health agencies. “Workers at affected farms are advised to take safety precautions, but the risk to the public remains low,” Ferguson said. Public health officials continue to stress that human-to-human transmission of avian influenza is exceedingly rare and has never been documented inside the United States.
My deepest sympathy to this individual's family. I'm being briefed on this situation, and my team is in close coordination with public health and agriculture officials. Workers at affected farms are advised to take safety precautions, but the risk to the public remains low.…
Across the country since February 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention documented 72 human infections of the H5 bird flu originating from various exposure paths, noting that no domestic person-to-person transmission has taken place. State agricultural agencies continue to mandate weekly testing for every farm in targeted milksheds where the virus is actively spreading, while urging producers to isolate suspected animals and report symptoms immediately.
Questions About Avian Influenza in Washington
What are the symptoms of bird flu in dairy cattle?
Infected cattle commonly experience decreased milk production, changes in milk appearance, loss of appetite, fever, respiratory issues, and changes in manure. When properly treated, most affected cattle recover within six weeks, according to the Washington State Department of Agriculture.
How many dairy herds have tested positive in the state?
State data shows that 34 dairy herds have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 since early October, with 33 herds located in Yakima County and one in Benton County.
Who is currently considered at the highest risk for infection?
Health officials state that the general public faces a low risk of infection, but dairy workers and individuals with close or prolonged contact with infected animals or contaminated environments face an elevated risk.
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