News
November 14, 2025
Preliminary case of bird flu in Washington state would be U.S.'s first in 9 months
Health officials in Washington state say they have identified the nation’s first human case of bird flu since February, pending confirmatory testing. Health officials said Thursday they’re still investigating the source of the infection, including contact with wild or domestic...
**Washington State Investigates Potential First Bird Flu Case in U.S. in Nine Months**
Health officials in Washington state are investigating a preliminary positive case of bird flu in a resident, potentially marking the first human infection of the virus in the United States since February. The news, announced Thursday, has prompted a swift investigation to determine the source of the infection and assess the risk to the broader community.
While the initial test results suggest the presence of the avian influenza virus, health officials are emphasizing that confirmatory testing is still pending at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A positive confirmation would officially mark the end of a nine-month period without any reported human cases of bird flu in the country.
The Washington State Department of Health is currently focusing its efforts on tracing the potential origin of the infection. Investigators are meticulously exploring various possibilities, including the individual's contact with both wild and domestic birds. Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, primarily affects birds but can, in rare instances, jump to humans who have close contact with infected animals.
"We are taking this situation very seriously and working diligently to understand the circumstances surrounding this potential case," stated a spokesperson for the Department of Health. "Our priority is to protect the health and safety of Washington residents, and we are working closely with local and federal partners to gather information and implement appropriate measures."
The discovery of this potential case serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by zoonotic diseases – illnesses that can spread between animals and humans. Health officials are urging the public to take precautions, such as avoiding close contact with wild birds and practicing good hygiene, including frequent handwashing, especially after being outdoors or interacting with animals.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses and confirmatory test results become available from the CDC. The Department of Health will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide guidance to the public as needed. The public is encouraged to stay informed through official channels for the latest information and recommendations.
Health officials in Washington state are investigating a preliminary positive case of bird flu in a resident, potentially marking the first human infection of the virus in the United States since February. The news, announced Thursday, has prompted a swift investigation to determine the source of the infection and assess the risk to the broader community.
While the initial test results suggest the presence of the avian influenza virus, health officials are emphasizing that confirmatory testing is still pending at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A positive confirmation would officially mark the end of a nine-month period without any reported human cases of bird flu in the country.
The Washington State Department of Health is currently focusing its efforts on tracing the potential origin of the infection. Investigators are meticulously exploring various possibilities, including the individual's contact with both wild and domestic birds. Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, primarily affects birds but can, in rare instances, jump to humans who have close contact with infected animals.
"We are taking this situation very seriously and working diligently to understand the circumstances surrounding this potential case," stated a spokesperson for the Department of Health. "Our priority is to protect the health and safety of Washington residents, and we are working closely with local and federal partners to gather information and implement appropriate measures."
The discovery of this potential case serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by zoonotic diseases – illnesses that can spread between animals and humans. Health officials are urging the public to take precautions, such as avoiding close contact with wild birds and practicing good hygiene, including frequent handwashing, especially after being outdoors or interacting with animals.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses and confirmatory test results become available from the CDC. The Department of Health will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide guidance to the public as needed. The public is encouraged to stay informed through official channels for the latest information and recommendations.
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