"Washington Records First Ever Human H5N5 Bird Flu Death: Public Risk Remains Low"

 A resident of Washington State has died after contracting the H5N5 strain of avian influenza, marking the first reported human case of this bird flu variant anywhere in the world, the state health department confirmed on Friday.

The patient, an older adult from Grays Harbor County with pre-existing health issues, became infected after exposure to their backyard flock of mixed domestic birds. Health officials said they detected traces of the virus in the immediate environment around the flock, making domestic poultry or wild birds the most likely source of infection.

Authorities emphasized that the risk to the general public remains low, noting that no other individuals connected to the case have tested positive for avian influenza. Officials are continuing to monitor anyone who had close contact with the patient or who interacted with the affected birds and their surroundings.

Health officials also reiterated that there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission of the H5N5 virus at this time.

The case is being closely watched by public health authorities, who are tracking potential symptoms among all contacts.