Avian Flu Advisory – What You Need to Know

On October 20, 2024, Washington State Department of Health and Benton-Franklin Health District reported that four people are under investigation for avian influenza infection in the state. These cases are the first potential human cases of avian influenza identified in Washington.

Four workers tested presumptive positive for avian influenza A(H5) after working at a commercial poultry farm in Franklin County which was experiencing an outbreak of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in their flock.

The presumptive positive samples have been forwarded to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for confirmatory testing. This is an active investigation and the number of cases under investigation may change as further test results are received.

DOH and BFHD are working with the Washington State Department of Agriculture and the CDC on the regional response to this outbreak. DOH and BFHD have provided personal protective equipment to workers on the farm, are monitoring exposed workers for symptoms of avian influenza, and are providing testing, vaccines, and treatment for symptomatic workers.

Read more on what actions to take and where to find further resources here.