GRAYS HARBOR, Wash. — A Grays Harbor County resident has preliminarily tested positive for avian influenza (bird flu), marking what could be the first human case of the virus reported in Washington in 2025.
Confirmatory testing is underway at the Washington State Public Health Laboratories.
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The patient, an older adult with underlying health conditions, was hospitalized in early November after developing a high fever, confusion, and respiratory distress. They are currently receiving treatment in King County, following previous care in Thurston and Grays Harbor counties.
Health officials are investigating potential sources of the infection, including contact with wild or domestic birds.
Despite the preliminary positive test, public health disease experts have not identified any risk to the general public. The Washington State Department of Health is collaborating with local health departments and healthcare facilities to support the ongoing investigation.
Avian influenza, colloquially called bird flu, is caused by the influenza type A virus and naturally occurs in wild aquatic birds. It can infect other bird species and occasionally mammals.
Human cases are rare and typically mild, with symptoms such as conjunctivitis, fever, and respiratory issues. Most human infections have been linked to exposure to sick or infected animals.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently considers the risk to the public from avian influenza to be low. However, people who work with or have recreational contact with potentially infected animals are advised to take precautions, including wearing personal protective equipment.
Public health officials are monitoring anyone who has been in close contact with the patient to ensure that human-to-human transmission is not occurring.
The risk of avian influenza increases in the fall and winter due to migratory birds spreading the virus to domestic animals.
People with backyard poultry should avoid contact with sick or dead birds and report any illness to the Washington State Department of Agriculture. Veterinarians are urged to report suspected cases in domestic animals or livestock. Additionally, the public is advised to avoid handling sick or dead wildlife and to report such cases to the Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife.
To reduce the risk of simultaneous infection with human and avian influenza viruses, it is recommended that individuals, especially those exposed to sick birds, receive a seasonal flu vaccine. The vaccine is advised for everyone six months and older.
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