Four agricultural workers in Washington state tested presumptively positive for avian influenza (H5N1) after working with infected poultry at a commercial egg farm in Franklin County. The workers exhibited mild symptoms and have been treated with antiviral medication. Testing is ongoing for additional workers, and the number of potential cases may change as investigations continue. This farm was the site of an avian influenza outbreak, where around 800,000 birds were euthanized due to infection confirmed by the Washington State Department of Agriculture on October 15.
These are the first presumed human cases of H5N1 under investigation in Washington, following the detection of the virus in poultry. The Benton-Franklin Health District (BFHD) conducted health checks on the exposed workers, with their samples sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for further confirmation.
The outbreak and human infections are part of a broader response involving multiple agencies, including the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and the Washington State Department of Agriculture.
Health authorities are closely monitoring the situation, providing protective equipment, testing, and medical care to those at risk. The BFHD and DOH have issued guidance urging anyone who worked on poultry farms in the affected areas since early October to report symptoms like red eyes or respiratory issues. Washington is the sixth state to report human cases of H5N1, which is part of a larger multistate outbreak affecting poultry, livestock, and wildlife.
Dr. Umair Shah, Washington’s Secretary of Health, emphasized that the state has been monitoring H5N1 since it was first detected in 2022 and is prepared to respond with the necessary tools and protocols. The state has been coordinating efforts with agricultural and wildlife agencies to protect workers and manage animal health, distributing personal protective equipment to those involved in farming and animal care.
While H5N1 primarily affects birds, it occasionally spreads to humans, typically through close contact with infected animals or contaminated environments. The CDC assesses the risk to the general public as low, but those working with birds or livestock are at higher risk and should take precautions such as using protective equipment. Avian influenza continues to pose a threat to certain industries and workers, but coordinated health measures are in place to mitigate its impact.
