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What to know after Washington state resident dies of bird flu
ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos • • health
Key Points:
- Washington state health officials reported the first bird flu death of the year in Yakima County, involving a person with underlying health conditions who was exposed to infected dairy cattle.
- The virus, still active and circulating primarily among dairy cows, has caused three human cases in Washington this year, mostly affecting those in close contact with infected animals.
- Experts emphasize the low risk to the general public but stress the importance of monitoring bird flu due to its potential to mutate and spread more easily among humans.
- With seasonal influenza activity increasing in Washington, health specialists urge people to get vaccinated to protect against severe illness during the ongoing flu season.
- Public health officials remain vigilant about the possibility of bird flu recombining with seasonal flu, although current evidence shows no person-to-person transmission of bird flu.
