Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

One Human Case of Avian Influenza Confirmed in Yakima County

The Yakima Health District (YHD), in coordination with the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), reported a confirmed human case of avian influenza in a Yakima County resident who was exposed to infected dairy cattle at a Yakima County dairy. The resident did not experience severe illness or was hospitalized. YHD is contacting close contacts to monitor for symptoms.

The risk of avian influenza infection to the general public remains low. Transmission of avian influenza between humans is extremely rare and has never been documented in the United States. 

People at greater risk include dairy workers and others who have close or prolonged contact with infected animals or environments contaminated with the virus. If you work on a dairy farm and develop symptoms after potential exposure to infected cattle, contact your healthcare provider or the Yakima Health District at (509) 480-3770.