An elderly patient infected with the H5N5 bird flu has died in the US state of Washington. According to reports, the deceased had various types of birds in their yard, but no evidence of human-to-human transmission of the virus has been found.
Health authorities reported that the virus was not detected in individuals who had contact with the patient and emphasized that the overall risk level is low. Nearly all cases recorded in the US over the last year and a half have been associated with H5N1. This death recorded with H5N5 is being assessed as a new development.
According to the CDC, many patients contracted the virus through direct contact with sick cattle or birds. In some cases, the illness is mild, while in others, severe symptoms are observed.
It has been noted that in recent years, bird flu is being detected more frequently among dairy cattle as well.
