US Man Dies from Rare Bird Flu Strain, CDC Warns of Low Public Risk
A Washington state man has become the first recorded human fatality linked to a rare strain of bird flu, H5N5. The 78-year-old victim, who had underlying health conditions, was hospitalized with symptoms of high fever, confusion, and respiratory problems after initially falling ill in early November.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that the man's backyard flock of domestic poultry had been exposed to wild birds, which may have played a role in his infection. Health officials say the risk to the general public is considered low, with no other reported cases of transmission among people who came into close contact with the deceased.
The CDC stated earlier this month that there was no evidence suggesting an increased threat to public health due to this isolated case. The agency has been monitoring the situation closely and will continue to keep a watchful eye on anyone who may have had direct contact with the infected individual.
For context, H5N5 is not considered to be significantly more deadly than another strain of bird flu, H5N1, which caused widespread human cases in the US between 2024 and 2025. Most of those affected were farm workers who experienced mild illnesses.
The key distinction between these two strains lies in a specific protein involved in releasing the virus from infected cells and spreading it to surrounding tissues. The H5N5 strain's relative low risk is due to this, although public health officials emphasize that there are no guarantees against transmission.
Despite the isolated nature of the case, experts continue to scrutinize the situation to ensure the public remains aware of potential risks associated with bird flu strains like H5N5.
A Washington state man has become the first recorded human fatality linked to a rare strain of bird flu, H5N5. The 78-year-old victim, who had underlying health conditions, was hospitalized with symptoms of high fever, confusion, and respiratory problems after initially falling ill in early November.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that the man's backyard flock of domestic poultry had been exposed to wild birds, which may have played a role in his infection. Health officials say the risk to the general public is considered low, with no other reported cases of transmission among people who came into close contact with the deceased.
The CDC stated earlier this month that there was no evidence suggesting an increased threat to public health due to this isolated case. The agency has been monitoring the situation closely and will continue to keep a watchful eye on anyone who may have had direct contact with the infected individual.
For context, H5N5 is not considered to be significantly more deadly than another strain of bird flu, H5N1, which caused widespread human cases in the US between 2024 and 2025. Most of those affected were farm workers who experienced mild illnesses.
The key distinction between these two strains lies in a specific protein involved in releasing the virus from infected cells and spreading it to surrounding tissues. The H5N5 strain's relative low risk is due to this, although public health officials emphasize that there are no guarantees against transmission.
Despite the isolated nature of the case, experts continue to scrutinize the situation to ensure the public remains aware of potential risks associated with bird flu strains like H5N5.
I'm kinda weirded out by how rare a person has to get infected before it becomes a big deal 
. Like, what are the chances of getting bird flu from your backyard flock? It's almost like we're not taking enough precautions when it comes to our own stuff 
. And yeah, the CDC is keeping an eye on things, but can't they just be more proactive about warning people? 
.
. I mean, I get it, we need to monitor these things closely, but low risk doesn't necessarily mean no risk, right? 
Still, 78 is old, so maybe this guy's age wasn't exactly on his side either.
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?! it's like they just threw some info at us and hoped for the best... 
. seriously though, who uses those notations anymore?
but seriously, it's good to know that health officials are keeping an eye on it & monitoring anyone who came into close contact with the infected guy 
. It's scary how easily these things can spread from birds to humans, especially if you're around infected birds or have them in your backyard 
. Still, it's always better to be aware and take precautions, like washing your hands after handling birds or their poop 
. You never know what can happen! 