Yakima County resident dies in first US bird flu death of 2026

Deceased patient had underlying health conditions

The deceased individual had underlying health conditions and was hospitalized before their death. The patient had contact with dairy cattle infected with H5N1.

The Yakima Health District withheld the name, age, and gender of the resident.

Three human cases confirmed in Yakima County

The Yakima Health District confirmed three human cases of avian influenza in the county. All three patients had direct contact with infected animals on local dairy farms.

Health officials identified the first human case in the United States for 2026 in mid-October. That initial patient experienced a non-severe illness.

The third human case did not require hospitalization and was not severe. Washington state has reported these three human infections since mid-October. Yakima County health officials reported two new cases over the weekend, including the one resulting in death.

Thirty-three dairy herds test positive in Yakima County

The H5N1 outbreak has affected 33 dairy herds in Yakima County. One additional dairy in Benton County also tested positive for the virus.

Washington state recorded 34 infected dairy herds over the past 30 days. The Washington State Department of Agriculture reported a total of 40 infected herds as of Thursday.

This total represents the fifth-highest number of infected herds among all states.

Health officials report no evidence of human-to-human transmission

Health officials state there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention determined that the virus shows no genetic changes that would increase disease severity or ease of spread.

Yakima Health District health officer Dave Atteberry said, "We continue to work closely with our public health partners to monitor the situation and protect the health of our community".

Officials are monitoring close contacts of all three patients. They also warn the public against the consumption of unpasteurized milk and dairy products.

CDC records 72 human bird flu cases since 2024

Of those infections, 42 involved exposure to infected dairy cattle.

This death is the third human bird flu fatality in the United States since the H5 strain began spreading from wild birds to dairy cows. As of March 2026, the CDC had recorded 71 human H5 cases and two deaths.

Colorado confirms H5N1 in Weld County dairy herd

Colorado State Veterinarian Maggie Baldwin said this detection underscores the importance of routine bulk milk tank testing to keep herds healthy and the food supply secure.

Public advised to use PPE and avoid unpasteurized milk

Genetic sequencing of the virus from two Yakima County dairy farms indicates the presence of a cow-adapted strain known as B3.13, which has been circulating since spring 2024.

They also recommend using respiratory protection, eye protection, and gloves when handling poultry.

Colorado State Veterinarian Maggie Baldwin noted that pasteurization kills H5N1, and health officials maintain that pasteurized milk is safe to drink.