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Bird flu detected in Washington dairy cattle for first time, with 1 human case reported
KING5.com • • health
Key Points:
- Bird flu (H5N1) has been confirmed in cattle at two dairy farms in Yakima County, Washington, marking the first known cases in the state's dairy cattle.
- One Yakima County resident exposed to the infected cattle has tested positive for the virus but is experiencing mild symptoms and is isolating at home without hospitalization.
- Health officials are monitoring individuals who had close contact with the infected person to track potential spread and provide testing and treatment as needed.
- The risk of bird flu to the general public remains low, with human-to-human transmission being extremely rare and never documented in the U.S.
- Authorities are collaborating with state and federal agencies to support exposed individuals and affected farms, including providing protective equipment and symptom monitoring.
