Washington State Confirms Human Avian Flu Infection

[Michael Coston]

Washington State Confirms Human Avian Flu Infection​

#19,376


A week ago Washington state confirmed their first detection of avian influenza in dairy cattle, and overnight it was announced by the Yakima County Health District that a local resident who was exposed to infected dairy cows has tested positive for the virus.

There is still a lot we don't know about this case, hopefully the CDC will provide more details later today in their weekly FluView.

The full press release follows. I'll update this report as more information becomes available.

Yakima County Resident Tests Positive for Avian Influenza

We Are Public Health

Media Release

For immediate release: October 15, 2026

Contact: Stephanie Ruiz, Communications Specialist (509) 941-7364

Yakima County Resident Tests Positive for Avian Influenza

Yakima, WA- The Yakima Health District (YHD), in coordination with the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), is reporting a confirmed case of avian influenza in a Yakima County resident who was exposed to infected dairy cattle at a Yakima County dairy. The resident has not experienced severe illness or been hospitalized. The individual is isolating at home.

The risk of avian influenza infection to the general public remains low. People at greater risk include dairy workers and others who have close or prolonged contact with infected animals or environments contaminated with the virus. Transmission of avian influenza between humans is extremely rare and has never been documented in the United States. To ensure that human-to-human spread is not occurring, public health officials are contacting anyone who has been in close contact with the patient to monitor for symptoms.

Since the initial detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in Yakima County, YHD has been in contact with the impacted dairies to protect the health of people who may be exposed to infected cattle.

YHD continues to coordinate with state and federal public health partners to provide guidance and resources to help protect exposed individuals. This includes providing tests for exposed individuals who develop symptoms to support prompt diagnosis and appropriate medical care. YHD is working with partners to connect affected dairies with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for their workers.
About Avian Influenza

Avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, is caused by influenza viruses that primarily circulate among wild birds but can also infect other animals, including poultry and dairy cattle. On rare occasions, these viruses infect people and cause illness.

Most human infections with avian influenza have occurred following close or prolonged contact with infected animals or environments contaminated with the virus. People can become infected when virus enters their eyes, nose, or mouth. The severity of illness can range from mild to serious and potentially life-threatening.

Public Health Recommendations

The risk of avian influenza infection to the general public is low. However, people who work with or have contact with potentially infected animals are at higher risk and should follow workplace safety guidance and use recommended personal protective equipment. Residents should avoid touching sick or dead animals, animal waste, and surfaces that may be contaminated.

Pasteurized milk and dairy products remain safe to consume. Pasteurization inactivates avian influenza virus and other harmful pathogens. People should avoid raw milk and unpasteurized dairy products because they may contain harmful germs, including avian influenza. Do not feed pets raw milk, unpasteurized dairy products, or raw meat, including raw pet foods.

It is especially important that people who may have exposure to sick animals get a seasonal flu vaccine. While the seasonal flu vaccine will not prevent bird flu infection, it reduces the risk of becoming sick with both human and avian influenza viruses at the same time. Seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older.

Symptoms of avian influenza in people can include eye redness or irritation, fever or feeling feverish, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache, and fatigue. More severe illness can occur.

If you work on a dairy farm and develop symptoms after potential exposure to infected cattle, contact your healthcare provider or the Yakima Health District at (509) 249-6541.
Reporting Sick or Dead Animals

Domestic Birds:Report sick/dead domestic birds using the online form, or call the Washington State Department of Agriculture’s Avian Health Program: 1-800-606-3056. Visit Avian Influenza | Washington State Department of Agriculture for more information about how to protect backyard flocks.

Wild Birds:Use an online form to report sick/dead wild birds suspected of avian influenza to the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife.

Livestock: To report sick livestock, isolate affected animals and contact your veterinarian and WSDA at 360-902-1878 or email ahealth@agr.wa.gov.

Quote

“We are working closely with our public health partners to follow up with people who have been in close contact with this individual. We want to make sure they know what symptoms to watch for and can access testing and treatment if needed.” -Dr. Dave Atteberry, Health Officer, Yakima Health District

https://afludiary.blogspot.com/2026/10/washington-state-confirms-human-avian.html

 

[sharon sanders]

Please see:

US - Humans with full or partial test positive H5N1/H5N5 results list (CDC + states + seropositive + assay positive)