Washington reports first human bird flu death of 2026

A dairy farm worker in Yakima County, Washington, has died from bird flu, marking the first human fatality from the virus in the U.S. this year, according to CNN as reported by wdov.iheart.com and other local iHeart outlets. The worker, who had underlying health conditions, contracted the H5N1 virus from infected dairy cows, officials said.

The Yakima County Health District confirmed the worker's hospitalization on October 31 and death on November 1. Health officials are actively monitoring other workers and contacts to prevent further spread, with the public risk considered low since no human-to-human transmission has been reported, according to CIDRAP.

Since early October, 33 dairy herds in Washington have been infected with the H5N1 bird flu virus. State authorities urge dairy workers to wear protective gear and report symptoms promptly. Dr. Dave Atteberry, Yakima County's public health officer, emphasized comprehensive monitoring of potential exposures.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recorded over 70 human bird flu cases in the U.S. since 2024, mostly among farm workers. Washington's pasteurized milk remains safe to drink, though raw milk is considered a risk, NewsNation reports.

Experts like Dr. Jennifer Nuzzo from Brown University’s School of Public Health express concern about the possibility of the H5N1 virus mixing with seasonal flu viruses, which could increase its ability to infect humans, underscoring the importance of continued vigilance.