Washington resident contracts H5N1 after exposure to affected cattle

A resident of Yakima County, Washington, has tested positive for avian influenza after the state confirmed two dairy herds there were affected by the H5N1 virus.

Ann Reus
October 16, 2026
Farmer feeding black and white dairy cattle in a modern barn with metal framework and hay
dolgachov | BigStock.com

A resident of Yakima County, Washington, has tested positive for avian influenza after the state confirmed two dairy herds there were affected by the H5N1 virus.

The Yakima Health District (YHD) reported on October 15 that the resident was exposed to infected dairy cattle at a farm in the county. The resident has not experienced severe illness or been hospitalized, and is isolating at home, YHD said.

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