Aโ Washington stateโฃ resident has died after contracting a โrare strain of avian influenza,โ H5N5, marking the first confirmed human fatality from โฃthis specific virus in the United โStates.โ The Washington State Department of Health confirmed the deathโ on May 3, 2024, reporting the individual was the sole human case detected in the state thus far.
This case raises โpublic health concernsโค as H5N5, whileโข previously โdetected in โขpoultry and wild birds, represents a potential for wider human transmission. The Centers โfor Disease Controlโ and Prevention (CDC)โค is actively monitoringโ the situation and collaborating withโ state health officials to assess โขthe risk to the general populationโ and determine if further preventative measures are necessary. The fatality โฃunderscores the importance of vigilance regarding avian flu viruses, particularly as theyโค evolve and โคpotentially gain the ability to spread more easily among humans.
The deceased, โan individual from Yakima County, was exposed to poultry. Symptoms began in โlate april 2024,and the infection wasโ confirmed โคthrough laboratory โขtesting. Health officialsโข stated โคthe person hadโข limited โฃcontact with others, reducing the immediate risk of โwidespread transmission, but ongoingโ surveillance is crucial.
H5N5 is a subtype of the โฃinfluenza Aโค virus,commonly found in birds. While โhuman โinfections are rare,they can occur through close contact with infected birdsโฃ or contaminated environments. Symptoms in humans are similar to those of seasonal flu, including fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, and respiratoryโ difficulties.
Prevention โคTips:
* โข Avoid contact with wild โขbirds and poultry: Do โnot handle sick or dead birds.
* Practiceโค good hygiene: Wash handsโข frequently with โคsoap and water, especially after โbeing outdoors or near birds.
*โ โค Cook poultry thoroughly: Ensure poultry is cooked to an internal temperature of 165ยฐF (74ยฐC).
* Report sick birds: Contact your local โanimal health authoritiesโ if you โfind sick orโ dead birds.
* Consider vaccination: While a specific H5N5 vaccine isn’t available, annual flu vaccination can offer some protection and reduce theโฃ risk of co-infection.
The CDC advises anyone experiencing flu-likeโข symptoms after potential exposure to birds to seek medical attention immediately and inform their healthcare provider about the exposure.Further updates and โคguidance will be provided as the investigation progresses.