By — Mike Stobbe, Associated Press Mike Stobbe, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/washington-state-resident-dies-from-bird-flu-following-exposure-to-infected-cattle Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Washington state resident dies from bird flu following exposure to infected cattle Health Nov 2, 2026 5:04 PM EST NEW YORK (AP) — A person in Washington state has died from complications of the bird flu, the first such U.S. death in a year. The Yakima County resident, who had previous health conditions, was exposed to avian influenza at a dairy with infected cattle and had been hospitalized. The person died Sunday, county health officials said. Grow your mind Subscribe to our Science Newsletter to explore the wide worlds of science, health and technology. Enter your email address Subscribe Form error message goes here. Thank you. Please check your inbox to confirm. Two other U.S. deaths have been tied to bird flu since it became a national public health concern in 2024. The first, announced in January 2025, was an elderly person in Louisiana who had a version of bird flu…
Washington state resident dies from bird flu following exposure to infected cattle
In short
The deceased patient from Yakima County had been hospitalized with underlying health issues prior to testing positive for H5N1 following contact with sick cattle. Local officials have confirmed that 33 dairy herds in the county recently tested positive, resulting in three human infections linked to dairy operations. More than 70 human cases have been recorded nationwide since early 2024. Health departments continue contact-tracing efforts to quickly detect any emerging symptoms among exposed individuals.
Key points
- Genetic sequencing of the patient's virus showed no dangerous mutations facilitating easi…: Genetic sequencing of the patient's virus showed no dangerous mutations facilitating easier transmission or heightened disease severity.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains that the general public faces a…: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains that the general public faces a low risk because person-to-person spread is absent.
- Health officials strongly urge individuals handling poultry or sick animals to consistent…: Health officials strongly urge individuals handling poultry or sick animals to consistently use protective gloves, eye gear, and respirators.