Expand / Collapse search
☰
River Flood Warning
from MON 12:40 PM PST until THU 2:00 PM PST, Skagit County
11
River Flood Warning
until FRI 6:09 AM PST, Skagit County
River Flood Warning
from MON 7:58 AM PST until SAT 1:47 AM PST, Mason County
Flood Warning
until TUE 4:00 AM PST, Kittitas County, Kittitas County
River Flood Warning
until MON 9:32 PM PST, King County
River Flood Warning
is in effect, King County, Pierce County, Pierce County, King County, King County, King County, Lewis County
High Wind Watch
from TUE 10:00 PM PST until WED 4:00 PM PST, Wenatchee Area
Flood Watch
until WED 10:00 AM PST, Okanogan County, Chelan County
Flood Watch
from MON 10:00 AM PST until THU 4:00 PM PST, Jefferson County, Thurston County, Pierce County, Whatcom County, Grays Harbor County, Kitsap County, Snohomish County, Lewis County, Skagit County, Mason County, King County, Clallam County
Flood Advisory
from MON 8:04 AM PST until MON 11:00 AM PST, Grays Harbor County, Mason County
River Flood Watch
from MON 7:00 PM PST until TUE 6:00 PM PST, Chelan County

WA resident dies from rare bird flu variant

By
Published  November 21, 2025 6:00pm PST
Health
FOX 13 Seattle
WA resident dies from rare bird flu variant

WA resident dies from rare bird flu variant

A Grays Harbor County resident died from the bird flu on Friday, after becoming the first human to be infected with the H5N5 variant.

The Brief

    • A Grays Harbor County resident died from H5N5 bird flu, the first human infection of the variant.
    • Health officials confirm no other cases linked to the deceased and continues to monitor those in close contact.
    • Risk to the general public is low, with no evidence of human-to-human transmission of the virus.

KING COUNTY, Wash. - A person in Washington has died from the bird flu, health officials confirmed Friday.

What we know:

A Grays Harbor County resident was infected with H5N5 avian influenza in early November, the first recorded human infection of the variant in the world.

The patient was receiving treatment in King County, and has now died. The Department of Health says they were an older adult with underlying health conditions.

According to the CDC, this is the second person in the U.S. to die from the bird flu since 2024.

What they're saying:

Grays Harbor County health officials say no other people involved in the case have tested positive for bird flu. They will continue to monitor anyone who came in close contact with the person who died.

The risk to the general public is low, as health officials say there is no evidence that the virus can be passed between people. The infected resident had a backyard flock of mixed domestic birds, which is likely how they were exposed.

More information about the bird flu can be found on the Washington State Department of Health website.

MORE NEWS FROM FOX 13 SEATTLE

How to watch Seattle Mariners games in 2026 after ROOT sports shuts down

Family of slain Idaho student Kaylee Goncalves sues Washington State University

Providence Swedish announces layoffs for nearly 300 staff in Seattle area

Suspect arrested in connection with deadly drive-by shooting in Lacey, WA

Seattle Mariners to celebrate 50 seasons in 2026 with yearlong events, fan tributes

No, Mount Rainier isn’t about to erupt. Seattle scientists debunk rumors

To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.

Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.

The Source: Information in this story came from the Washington State Department of Health and the CDC.

HealthNewsKing CountyGrays Harbor County