Washington Dairy Worker Dies From H5N1 Bird Flu After Cattle Exposure
A Yakima County, Washington, dairy worker died Sunday, November 1, 2026, after contracting H5N1 bird flu following exposure to infected cattle, officials said.[1]
Yakima County officials said 33 dairy herds in the county have recently tested positive for H5N1, and three human infections are linked to dairy exposures.[1] The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said genetic analysis of the virus from the patient found no mutations that would increase transmissibility or severity.[1] The agency says it still rates the overall public risk as low.[1] Health officials are tracing and monitoring close contacts and urging farm workers to use protective equipment around sick or dead animals.[1]
Since early 2024, more than 70 U.S. human H5N1 infections have been recorded, and there has been no confirmed person-to-person transmission.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- A Yakima County, Washington, resident died Sunday, November 1, 2026, from H5N1 bird flu after exposure at a dairy with infected cattle.
- Yakima officials say 33 dairy herds in the county have recently tested positive for H5N1 and three human infections are linked to dairy exposures.
- CDC genetic analysis found no mutations in the virus from this patient that would increase transmissibility or severity, and the agency still rates overall public risk as low.
- More than 70 U.S. human H5N1 infections have been recorded since early 2024, with no confirmed person-to-person transmission.
- Health officials are tracing and monitoring close contacts of the infected individuals and urging farm workers to use protective equipment around sick or dead animals.
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