WA resident first to test positive for new type of bird flu

GRAYS HARBOR — The Washington Department of Health confirmed that one Grays Harbor resident has tested positive for H5, a type of avian influenza. Further testing shows the virus to be H5N5, a type of avian influenza that has previously been reported in animals but never before in humans, according to DOH.  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and DOH currently consider the risk to the public from avian influenza to be low, according to a statement from DOH.  

The person is an older adult with underlying health conditions. They developed a high fever, confusion and respiratory distress. They were hospitalized in early November. As of Friday, they were still hospitalized. They are currently receiving treatment in King County after previously being treated in both Thurston and Grays Harbor counties.  

The affected person has a mixed backyard flock of poultry at home that had exposure to wild birds. According to the DOH, domestic poultry or wild birds are most likely the source of the virus exposure; however, the public health investigation is still ongoing.  

Last week, the Grant County Health District confirmed that six house mice in the county had tested positive for bird flu.  

“It’s not brand new that we are finding bird flu in mice or other mammals. There have been reports of rodents testing positive for bird flu throughout the United States. It can be found in other mammals, not just birds,” GCHD Public Information Officer Lexi Smith said in a previous interview.  

Previous to that, on Oct. 10, a large commercial facility in Moses Lake containing chickens tested positive for avian influenza.  

Bird flu outbreaks in WA 

Whatcom County: Nov. 17, small, backyard chickens
Snohomish County: Nov. 7, small, backyard ducks
Grant County: Oct. 10, large, commercial chickens
Mason County: Feb. 10, small, backyard ducks
Franklin County: Jan. 24, large, commercial chickens