A man is currently in critical condition with a novel virus that has not been previously identified in humans but has been found in animals.
The individual was admitted to the hospital earlier this month displaying symptoms such as a high fever, confusion, and respiratory issues. Subsequent tests confirmed the presence of H5N5, a subtype of avian influenza commonly known as bird flu, typically carried by ducks, geese, and other wild birds.
As of last week, the man remains hospitalized, and authorities are actively investigating the source of his illness. No other cases of the H5N5 strain have been reported so far.
The Washington State Department of Health stated that the patient, described as elderly, had underlying health conditions and kept a variety of domestic poultry in his backyard in Grays Harbour County, located in the southwest part of the state. Officials suspect that wild birds accessing the property may have exposed the man to the virus.
While there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission, experts caution that the evolution of viruses can be unpredictable. Although H5N1 is more prevalent in the US, it remains rare, distinguished by a specific protein on its surface.
H5N1 has affected both wild birds and domestic poultry since 2022, with 71 confirmed human cases of H5 bird flu reported in the US in the past year. While most patients experienced mild symptoms, a fatality was recorded in Louisiana in January. In contrast, the UK reported 81 cases of bird flu.
Confirmed cases have been identified in various regions, including Cumbria, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Scotland, and Wales. Symptoms of bird flu typically include a high fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches.