Washington state health officials have reported what appears to be the first U.S. human case of bird flu in nine months. The Washington State Department of Health announced Thursday that a resident of Grays Harbor County received a preliminary positive result for avian influenza infection. Federal laboratories are conducting confirmatory testing, which will determine whether this is the country’s first case since February.
Officials said the investigation is ongoing, including efforts to identify how the patient may have been exposed. Possible sources include contact with domestic poultry, wild birds, or contaminated environments. No additional suspected cases have been reported in the state.
Patient’s Condition and Clinical Course
The patient is an older adult with underlying medical conditions, according to state health authorities. They developed a high fever, confusion, and respiratory distress before being hospitalized in early November. Treatment is continuing, and no updates on recovery status have been released. Public health officials emphasized that, at this stage, there is no evidence of person-to-person transmission related to this case.
Global and National Trends in Human Bird Flu Infections
Human infections with bird flu remain rare worldwide. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 26 human cases were confirmed globally through August 4 of this year, the majority occurring outside the United States. Eleven of those infections were fatal. The nine-month gap since the last U.S. case has drawn attention from health experts, who closely monitor the virus for mutations that could affect transmissibility or severity.
During 2024 and early 2025, the United States documented 70 human infections, primarily among workers on dairy and poultry farms. Most individuals experienced mild symptoms, although one death occurred. These earlier cases were linked to occupational exposure, reinforcing the need for protective measures among people working with livestock and birds.
Ongoing Animal Outbreaks in the United States
While human infections have been absent for months, avian influenza continues to circulate among animals in the U.S. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that nearly 70 poultry flocks—ranging from commercial operations to small backyard farms—have tested positive in the past month alone. More than 1.7 million birds have been affected.
The virus has also been detected in livestock. The most recent confirmed infection in dairy cattle occurred approximately one month ago in Idaho. These ongoing animal outbreaks remain a concern because they provide opportunities for the virus to evolve and occasionally spill over into humans.
Current Risk Assessment for the Public
The CDC continues to assess the risk of bird flu to the general public as low. However, individuals who work directly with poultry, dairy cattle, or wild birds are considered at higher risk due to their increased likelihood of exposure. Public health officials recommend that people in these occupations follow biosecurity practices, wear appropriate protective equipment, and report any signs of illness promptly.
Health authorities in Washington state say they will provide updates as more information becomes available, including results of confirmatory testing and any additional public health guidance.
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