In a rarest case recorded, an older adult residing in Grays Harbor County, Washington, has been infected with H5N5; this is a subtype of bird flu that had never in the history of medicine been documented in humans, as per local health authorities.

Earlier this month, the older man was hospitalized with high fever, confusion, and respiratory distress, and after multiple tests, he was found positive for the H5N5 avian influenza strain, only found in animals.

Can a man get H5N5 bird flu infection?

At his residence, his backyard has a mixed flock of domestic poultry and wild birds; doctors suspect that this could be the source of infection. At his home in Grays Harbor County, he confirmed that two of his domestic birds had died recently. Currently, doctors are investigating the rarest of rare cases in coordination with health and agricultural agencies. Confirming that there is no possible threat to the general public, the Washington State Department of Health released a statement.

What Is the H5N5 Strain?

• ‘H5N5’ is a subtype of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
• While common in wild birds like ducks and geese, this is the first time H5N5 has been confirmed in a human.

Has Avian Flu Infected Humans Before?

Earlier many cases were detected, but of other strains, not H5N5.
• In the 1990s, H5N1 had caused sporadic human infections globally.
• WHO has reported thousands of cases worldwide of H5N1.
• In 2025, between March and June, 20 people were infected with avian flu, mostly H5N1, H9N2, and H10N3.
• Human-to-human transmission has been rare, never recorded.

Why is this case an important breakthrough?

Being the first ever documented case of H5N5 infection, this marks a significant public-health event. This case will be observed closely to see the signs, change in behaviour, and possibility of transmission. Although experts have emphasised that the risk remains very low, preventive measures will be taken.

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