Wahkiakum County, October 22, 2024 — The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) reported that 4 people have tested presumptive positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI H5N1), commonly known as bird flu, in Washington state. These agricultural workers tested positive after working with infected poultry at a commercial farm in Franklin County. The presumptive positive samples have been forwarded to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for confirmatory testing. This is an active investigation and the number of cases under investigation may change as further test results are received.

HPAI H5N1 has been reported in wild birds, backyard poultry, and commercial poultry in Washington state and any ongoing cases and outbreaks in animals will continue to increase the risk of exposure and infection among responders, agricultural workers, and others who may be exposed to infected animals.

At this point, HPAI H5N1 does not pose a serious threat to public health, but Wahkiakum County Health & Human Services (WCHHS) urges those with job-related or recreational exposures to infected birds, cattle, or other potentially impacted domestic or wild animals to take precaution, including wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).

The severity of symptoms in humans has been low with reported cases. Farmworkers have been observed to have flu-like symptoms, such as fever; cough; sore throat; eye tearing, redness, or irritation; and runny or stuffy nose. Conjunctivitis (pink eye) has been the most reported indication of illness. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, please notify your doctor if you associate with birds or cattle.

Farmers may report sick/dead domestic birds or livestock to the Washington State Department of Agriculture’s Avian Health Program by calling 1-800-606-3056 or going online at https://wdfw.wa.gov/get-involved/report-observations

For information on highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1, and links to detailed information on PPE, please visit https://www.co.wahkiakum.wa.us/625/Bird-Flu-Highly-Pathogenic-Avian-Influen