A man is currently in critical condition with a novel virus that has never been seen in humans before but has been identified in animals. The individual was hospitalized after displaying symptoms such as a high fever, confusion, and breathing difficulties, and subsequent tests confirmed the presence of H5N5, a subtype of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, typically found in ducks, geese, and other wild birds.
As of the previous week, the man remained hospitalized, and authorities are actively investigating the origins of his illness. No other individuals have tested positive for the H5N5 variant. The Washington State Department of Health described the patient as elderly with underlying health issues. The man also kept a mixed flock of domestic poultry at his residence in Grays Harbour County.
Officials speculate that the virus exposure possibly came from wild birds accessing the property. There is no evidence of human-to-human transmission, although experts warn about the unpredictable nature of virus evolution. While H5N1 is a more prevalent strain in the United States, it remains rare compared to H5N5, with a key distinction being a surface protein on the virus.
H5N1 has affected both wild birds and domestic poultry since 2022, with 71 reported cases of H5 bird flu in the U.S. over the past year. Most patients experienced mild symptoms, but a fatality occurred in Louisiana in January. In contrast, the UK recorded 81 cases of bird flu, with confirmed instances in various regions including Cumbria, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Scotland, and Wales. Common symptoms of bird flu include high fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
