First-Ever Human Case Of H5N5 Bird Flu Detected In Washington, Doctors Race To Decode The Mysterious Strain

A Washington state resident has been diagnosed with a bird flu strain never before seen in humans, marking an unprecedented case that has alarmed public health officials. The “severely ill” man, who was admitted to hospital with high fever, confusion, and respiratory distress, tested positive for H5N5, a subtype of avian influenza usually found in ducks, geese, and other wild birds.

According to the Washington State Department of Health, H5N5 has only been detected in animals until now. The patient, described as older with underlying medical issues, lives in Grays Harbor County and keeps a mixed backyard flock. Two of his birds had recently died, raising concern that infected poultry or wild birds may have been the source.

Health authorities are now conducting a full investigation alongs