Disasters

First known case of H5N5 bird flu in humans – what we all know to this point

In early November 2025, public health authorities in Washington state confirmed what appears to be the first-ever human infection with the H5N5 strain of avian influenza. The Washington State Department of Health announced that a Grays Harbor County resident who was already hospitalized with flu-like symptoms has tested positive for the Influenza A H5 virus. Further laboratory testing identified the...