A Yakima County resident has died after contracting H5N1 bird flu. According to local authorities, the person came into contact with infected cattle at a dairy farm last month, was later hospitalized with severe symptoms, and died on Sunday. The person had chronic health conditions; their age and sex have not been disclosed. State officials have not confirmed that this is the first bird flu death in the United States in 2026.
Over the past three weeks, two more human infections have been identified in Yakima County, also linked to work at dairy farms. Neither patient required hospitalization. All three people infected in the state this year worked on farms with infected cows. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers the risk to the general public low. Pasteurized milk, properly cooked meat, and dairy products remain safe.
Yakima County was one of the first places in the state where the virus was detected in dairy cattle. Many dairy farms are concentrated there, increasing the chances of detecting infection through animal testing. Movement of cattle, people, and equipment between agricultural regions may also affect where the virus is found. However, it is difficult to determine exactly why the virus was detected there early: this may reflect either the virus’s spread or more extensive testing. The presence of dairy farms does not mean the virus originated in the county.
Farmers and veterinarians monitor the cows for warning signs, which may include a sharp drop in milk production, changes in the milk, loss of appetite, and lethargy. When infection is suspected, milk samples are usually collected for laboratory testing. Confirmed cases are reported to state veterinary authorities and federal agencies, which coordinate further testing and control measures.
The B3.13 bird flu strain began spreading among dairy cattle in some states in 2024; last month, it was detected at two farms in Yakima County, Washington. Most infected cows recover with veterinary care—usually in about six weeks, though the severity of the illness varies. Meanwhile, the virus continues to affect birds: by the end of September, it had reached at least four commercial poultry farms and 67 backyard flocks in the state, killing more than 4.1 million birds.
Bird flu rarely infects people, and no human-to-human transmission has been recorded in the United States. Those at greatest risk are people who work with infected animals or come into contact with them during recreational activities. They are advised to use gloves, masks, eye protection, and other protective clothing. Owners of backyard poultry are advised not to touch sick or dead birds and to report cases to authorities. People should also avoid raw milk and undercooked food, and should not give these products to pets.
Based on: WA records first bird flu death of 2026