Avian Flu Variant Detected in WA Person, First Of Its Kind in U.S.

The avian flu variant is not the same as H5N1, but medical officials say it likely was created from a "common ancestor"  according to health officials.

  The person is elderly with some health compromises

The WA State Department of Health says a Grays Harbor resident has tested positive for the H5N5 avian flu variant, and they had a backyard flock.

The positive test was revealed heading into the weekend.  H5N5 presents similar symptoms and the more common H5N1,  although are not the 'same.'

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According to the WA State Dept. of Health information release:

"The person is an older adult with underlying health conditions and remains hospitalized. The affected person has a mixed backyard flock of domestic poultry at home that had exposure to wild birds. The domestic poultry or wild birds are the most likely source of virus exposure; however, public health investigation is ongoing."

Avian influenza is considerably deadly to poultry, especially chickens,  most of the few humans who have been exposed and contracted the virus have mild symptoms. One person is known to have died, but they had a compromised immune and health condition.

The affected person remains hospitalized.   According to the Health Department:

"People with backyard poultry should avoid contact with sick or dead birds and report illness to the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) by calling 1-800-606-3056 or reporting online."