Archive · 30 Nov 2025
First Human Death from H5N5 Bird Flu
A person in Washington, USA, recently died from a new type of bird flu called H5N5.
This is the first time this specific virus has been found in a human.
The person had a flock of chickens that might have caught the virus from wild birds.
Bird flu usually affects birds, but sometimes it can infect people.
Scientists are watching closely to see if this virus could spread to more people, but right now, the risk is low.
They will keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't become a bigger problem.
First recorded human infection and death from H5N5 avian influenza in Washington, USA.
Patient was an older adult with underlying conditions and had a backyard poultry flock exposed to wild birds.
H5N5 is a high pathogenicity avian influenza virus, similar to but distinct from H5N1.
The virus is primarily a threat to birds and agriculture, but scientists are monitoring it for potential human pandemic risk.
No evidence of person-to-person spread, and the risk to humans is currently considered low.
- Who
- An older adult with underlying conditions in Grays Harbor, Washington
- What
- First recorded human infection and death from H5N5 avian influenza
- When
- November 21, 2023
- Where
- Grays Harbor, Washington, USA
- Why
- Exposure to backyard poultry that were in contact with wild birds
- Virus
- H5N5 avian influenza
- Location
- Grays Harbor, Washington, USA
- Date of Death
- November 21
- Patient Details
- Older adult with underlying conditions
- Source of Infection
- Backyard poultry exposed to wild birds
- Virus Classification
- High pathogenicity avian influenza
- Risk to Humans
- Low, but being monitored
- First Recorded Case
- Yes