The Washington State Department of Health has confirmed the first human case in the United States of the H5N5 avian flu variant, according to official reports. The patient is an older resident of Grays Harbor County who remains hospitalized with severe symptoms.
Despite the impact of the news, health authorities have emphasized that the risk to the general population remains low, as there is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission. Initial investigations suggest that the most likely source of infection was exposure to infected domestic birds that had been in contact with wild birds.
Infectious disease experts have described this case as a rare and isolated event, although they also call for increased monitoring of individuals who have direct or indirect contact with birds.
Should we fear an H5N5 epidemic?
For now, according to the CDC and local authorities, no. Although the detection of H5N5 in a human is historic, current assessments indicate that there is no widespread risk, although surveillance will be strengthened among more vulnerable populations.