Over the past decade, numerous infectious disease outbreaks have been witnessed worldwide. Whether it's the coronavirus or other zoonotic diseases, these have significantly increased the strain on healthcare systems. Recent reports indicate that several states in the United States are currently experiencing an outbreak of the bird flu virus.

Reports indicate that the first death due to a rare strain of bird flu (H5N5) has been reported in Washington. This news has renewed public fears about bird flu, which is considered fatal to humans. However, state health officials say there is no need for further concern.

According to an update released by the Washington State Department of Health on Friday, the person who died from bird flu infection was elderly and had several pre-existing health conditions. Officials said the deceased was in close contact with poultry, which is likely where he contracted the infection. Comorbidities contributed to the severe infection, leading to his death.

It's worth noting that bird flu cases also increased rapidly in several countries in the early months of this year.

First death from new strain of bird flu

Following the recent death in Washington, state health officials stated that the risk to the public is low. All close contacts of the deceased are being monitored. There is no indication of human transmission of the virus so far.

Earlier this month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that bird flu, stating that studies of the new strain have shown no indications of its potential to be dangerous to humans.

How dangerous is the H5N5 variant?

Medical reports have found the H5N5 variant to be no more dangerous than the current strain of bird flu (H5N1). Between 2024 and 2025, 70 cases of H5N1 infection were reported in the United States alone. Most of these cases involved dairy and poultry farm workers, although their illnesses were mild.

Reports suggest that H5N5 and H5N1 differ in a protein that helps release the virus from the infected cell and spread to neighboring cells. Scientists are still studying this to understand its potential impact on humans.

Bird Flu Strain D1.1

Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, has been considered rare in humans. However, in recent years, this virus has not only been infecting humans but has also caused deaths in several locations.

U.S. Department of Agriculture officials reported on February 5, 2025, that several cattle in Nevada were infected with a new strain of bird flu, D1.1, distinct from the variants currently circulating in the United States. Initial studies showed it to be highly virulent and capable of causing a pandemic.

Infections are also seen in cows and rats.

The H5N1 virus, or bird flu, can cause a variety of health complications. Bird flu has typically been thought to infect chickens and birds, but in recent years, it has been reported to infect cows and humans. Infections were first confirmed in rats in February 2025.

The US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Inspection Service reported that this is the first time rats have been infected with this infectious disease. Rats are also present in homes, which could increase the risk of human infection.

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