A Yakima County, Washington, resident has died from complications of avian influenza after exposure to infected dairy cattle, the Yakima Health District announced Sunday, Nov. 1.
What officials said
According to the district's media release, the person had underlying health conditions and had been hospitalized. Officials did not release the person's name, gender or age. The infection was linked to exposure at a Yakima County dairy.
Other cases
The district also reported a third confirmed human case in the area. That person did not have severe illness or require hospitalization, and the district is monitoring close contacts. The Washington State Department of Health had issued a health alert in October as the outbreak in cattle expanded, and the Associated Press described the death as the first U.S. bird flu death in a year.
Why it matters in Tennessee
Nothing in the announcement suggests a risk in West Tennessee. Readers with questions about avian influenza can contact their county health department or the Tennessee Department of Health.
Sources: Yakima Health District, KOMO News, AP, Washington State Department of Health