A man is currently hospitalized with a novel virus that has not been previously observed in humans and is typically found in animals.
The individual was admitted to the hospital earlier this month exhibiting symptoms such as a high fever, confusion, and respiratory issues, and subsequent tests confirmed the presence of H5N5, a subtype of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, usually carried by ducks, geese, and other wild birds.
As of last week, the man remains under medical care, and an investigation is underway to determine the source of his infection. Health officials have reported no additional cases of H5N5 in other individuals.
The Washington State Department of Health described the patient as elderly with underlying health conditions, residing in Grays Harbour County, where he kept a mixed backyard flock of domestic poultry. Authorities suspect that wild birds accessing the property may have been the likely source of the virus. While there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission, experts warn of the unpredictable nature of virus evolution.
Although H5N1 is a more prevalent strain in the U.S., cases remain rare. The distinguishing factor between the strains lies in a specific surface protein of the virus.
Since 2022, H5N1 has affected both wild birds and domestic poultry in the U.S., with 71 recorded human cases of H5 bird flu since the previous year. Most patients experienced mild symptoms, except for a fatality in Louisiana in January. In contrast, the UK reported 81 cases of bird flu.
Confirmed cases have been documented in various regions including Cumbria, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Scotland, and Wales. Symptoms of bird flu typically include high fever, coughing, sore throat, and body aches.
