Third Bird Flu Death Reported in Washington State
A Yakima County resident succumbed to the virus after exposure at an infected dairy farm, marking the third such fatality since the outbreak began.
A recent development in the ongoing bird flu crisis has seen a third human death attributed to the virus, with the latest victim being a resident of Yakima County, Washington. This individual had underlying health conditions and was exposed to the virus at an infected dairy farm, according to reports 12.
The death marks a significant milestone in the progression of the bird flu outbreak, which has seen nearly 2.6 million birds at poultry farms fall ill over the past month 2. Despite the severity of the situation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not updated its official death toll since October 15, leaving some uncertainty about the exact number of fatalities 2.
This latest case underscores the ongoing threat posed by the bird flu to both animal and human populations. With the virus continuing to spread among livestock, public health officials remain vigilant in monitoring and responding to potential new cases.
What we know
- A person in Washington state died from bird flu after being exposed at an infected dairy farm 12
- The deceased was a Yakima County resident with underlying health conditions 12
- Nearly 2.6 million birds at poultry farms have been sickened in the last 30 days 2
- The CDC has not updated its death toll since October 15 2
Verification report
Partly unverified — probability of truth 63%, weighted across 9 claims from 2 independent outlets.
- confirmed A person in Washington state died from bird flu after being exposed at an infected dairy farm. (85%)
- unverified This is the third human bird flu death in the US since HPAI jumped from wild birds to dairy cows. (53%)
- confirmed The deceased was a Yakima County resident with underlying health conditions. (85%)
- likely Nearly 2.6 million birds at poultry farms have been sickened in the last 30 days. (70%)
- unverified The first reported case of HPAI in dairy cows in the US occurred in March 2024. (53%)
- unverified Two additional cases of bird flu were reported in Yakima County residents, neither of whom experienced severe illness or hospitalization. (53%)
- unverified Three people in total have tested positive for bird flu in Washington since the virus was found in dairy cattle on October 8. (53%)
- unverified Since the outbreak began in 2024, there have been 72 cases and two deaths linked to bird flu. (47%)
- likely The CDC has not updated its death toll since October 15. (70%)
Sources
- Ars Technica — Third person dies of bird flu since virus started jumping to livestock
https://arstechnica.com/health/2026/11/third-person-dies-of-bird-flu-since-virus-started-jumping-to-livestock/ - The Independent — US has its first human death this season connected to bird flu as virus spreads across nation
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/washington-death-us-bird-flu-case-b3077558.html