The first known human victim of the H5N5 strain of bird flu has tragically passed away, Washington state officials confirm. This older adult, with pre-existing health conditions, was exposed to a backyard flock of mixed domestic birds. While the H5N5 strain is new to humans, it has been detected in animals. The risk to the public remains low, as no other cases have been reported, and there’s no evidence of human-to-human transmission. However, this incident highlights the evolving threat of bird flu, which has been infecting more mammals in recent years. The CDC reports at least 70 confirmed human cases in the U.S., most linked to contact with infected cattle or poultry farms. While most cases are mild, with symptoms like red eyes and fever, a few have led to severe outcomes. This tragic loss serves as a reminder of the importance of public health measures and the need for continued vigilance against emerging infectious diseases.