Yakima resident dies after dairy exposure to bird flu

A Yakima County resident died on Sunday after being exposed to infected cattle at a dairy. The person, who had previous health conditions, had been hospitalized. County officials did not release further details.

Other U.S. deaths

Two other U.S. deaths have been tied to bird flu since it became a national public health concern in 2024. In January 2025, an elderly Louisiana resident died after infection with H5N1. In November 2025, a Washington state resident died from a rarer H5N5 strain. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has counted more than 70 human infections in the U.S. since the start of 2024 and says there is no known person-to-person spread. County officials say 33 dairy herds have recently tested positive for H5N1, and three human infections have been linked to exposure at a dairy. The Yakima Health District is working with the state health department to find close contacts and monitor them for symptoms.

The CDC analyzed the genetic sequence of the virus from the person who died. It found no changes that would make the virus spread more easily or cause more severe illness, a spokesperson said Monday.

Officials continue to urge people who handle sick or dead birds to wear respiratory and eye protection and gloves. People who work on farms are considered to be at higher risk. Officials say the H5N1 virus has spread widely among wild birds, poultry, cows and other animals for several years. Its presence in the environment increases the chances that people will be exposed and potentially catch it.