Washington resident hospitalized with first US case of H5N5 bird flu

Washington state health officials have confirmed the country’s first human case of H5N5 — a strain of avian influenza carried by wild birds such as ducks and geese — in a Grays Harbor County resident hospitalized earlier this month.

The patient, an older adult with underlying health conditions, was admitted in early November with severe flu-like symptoms. He remains hospitalized.

Health officials say public risk remains low, but investigations into the source of exposure are ongoing. The individual kept a mixed backyard flock that had contact with wild birds, which authorities consider the most likely source of infection.

The Washington State Department of Health is working with local public health officials and the Washington State Department of Agriculture to conduct both human and a