A resident of Washington state has died from bird flu after contracting the virus through exposure to cattle at a dairy farm, health officials announced. This is the first reported death from the avian flu in the United States this year.
The individual, identified as a Yakima County resident, had pre-existing health conditions and was hospitalized before succumbing to the illness, according to county health officials.
Authorities reported that at least three people have been infected with bird flu following exposure at a dairy farm in Washington. The Yakima Health District, in conjunction with the state's health department, is monitoring these individuals and those in close contact with the deceased for any symptoms.
Farm workers are considered to be at a higher risk of contracting bird flu, health officials stated. Currently, 33 dairy herds in the state have tested positive for the contagion, which can spread widely among birds, cows, and other animals.
This death is the third reported since the virus became a public health concern in 2024. Previous fatalities included an elderly resident in Louisiana in 2025 and another Washington state resident in 2025.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted that the disease is not known to spread from person to person, and the overall risk to public health remains low. An analysis of the virus in Washington found no changes that would indicate increased contagiousness.