Washington state resident dies of new H5N5 bird flu strain

The first person infected with the H5N5 bird flu has died, according to health officials in Washington.

- By SusannE Rust

The person, who lived in Grays Harbor County, had been hospitalized earlier this month in Kings County, where Seattle is located.

Officials from the Washington State Department of Health did not release the person’s name, age or gender.

According to a news release from Grays Harbor County health officials recently, the person was considered “older” and had underlying health conditions. Their symptoms included a high fever, confusion and trouble breathing.

The person had a backyard flock consisting of mixed domestic poultry.