On November 21, the Washington State Department of Health confirmed the tragic death of an individual undergoing treatment for H5N5 avian influenza. This marks a significant health concern as it is the first recorded case of this variant infecting a human globally.
Identification of the Virus
Testing conducted at the UW Medicine Clinical Virology Lab identified the illness as H5N5 avian influenza. The result was later confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), further solidifying the seriousness of the situation.
Patient Details
The patient, an older adult with pre-existing health conditions, had been hospitalized since early November, indicating the severe consequences that such infections can have, particularly for those with compromised health.
Monitoring Human-to-Human Spread
The Washington State Department of Health has released a statement reassuring the public: “The risk to the public remains low.” They confirmed that no additional individuals have tested positive for avian influenza and that officials are closely monitoring anyone who had close contact with the patient for any symptoms. “
Determining the Source of Infection
Initial investigations revealed that the individual kept a backyard flock of mixed domestic birds. Environmental sampling by the Department of Health detected the avian influenza virus in the flock’s vicinity, suggesting that exposure to the domestic poultry or possibly wild birds was the likely source of the infection.
Health officials are also keeping a close watch on those who had exposure to the affected flock and their environment to ensure early detection of any potential symptoms.
Source: Washington State Department of Health
