First US Bird Flu Death of 2026 Reported in Washington

• A resident of Yakima County, Washington, died from bird flu, marking the first US fatality of 2026.
• The individual contracted the H5N1 avian influenza from dairy cattle.
• Health officials have stated that the risk to the public remains low.
• This is the second reported human case of bird flu from cattle in Yakima County.
• The deceased was hospitalized before succumbing to the illness.