First Case of Human Bird Flu Confirmed in Wyoming

February 14, 2025

The Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) has reported the state’s inaugural case of H5N1 avian influenza in a human. The affected individual, an older woman from Platte County, represents the third hospitalization related to H5N1 in the U.S.

“This is an important milestone as we observe bird flu cases in Wyoming and nationwide. However, we do not consider this a cause for significant alarm for the majority of residents,” stated Dr. Alexia Harrist, the state health officer and epidemiologist.

Dr. Harrist indicated that the woman is currently hospitalized in another state, has pre-existing health conditions that may heighten her susceptibility to illnesses, and was likely exposed to the virus through direct contact with an infected flock at her residence. The H5N1 virus has been identified among wild birds in Wyoming for some time, and the variant circulating has been spreading across the country since 2022. Previous outbreaks in poultry and dairy cattle have also been documented in Wyoming.

“Health experts are diligently monitoring the spread of H5N1 among wild birds, poultry, and dairy cattle in the U.S. A limited number of human infections have occurred, primarily involving individuals with close occupational exposure to contaminated animals, typically exhibiting mild symptoms,” Dr. Harrist explained. “Unfortunately, the current case is more severe.”

“It’s important to note that there has been no confirmed human-to-human transmission of this virus in the United States,” added Dr. Harrist. “Our team has reached out to individuals who had contact with both the flock and the patient, and we will continue collaborating with state and national experts to monitor the situation closely in Wyoming.”

While the public health risk remains low at this time, individuals can take prudent measures to protect themselves and their families:

• Ensure all poultry and eggs are fully cooked and avoid undercooked food. Practice safe food handling to prevent cross-contamination between raw and cooked items.
• Limit direct interactions with wild birds.
• Stay clear of any wild or domestic birds that appear sick or have died. If you notice symptoms in birds, immediately contact a veterinarian or report sick domestic birds to the Wyoming Livestock Board at 307-777-8270. If necessary to handle sick or dead birds, wearing personal protective clothing is strongly advised.
• Do not have unprotected close contact with cattle or any materials that may be contaminated with bird flu.
• Refrain from consuming raw milk or any products made from raw milk.

To report sick or deceased wild birds, contact the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) at 307-745-5865, fill out a report online at https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/7d0c547b8fa54eaca73f7eb37d06315a, or reach out to a nearby WGFD regional office.

The confirmation of this test was provided this afternoon by a laboratory from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

For further details regarding bird flu, visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/index.html. For tailored recommendations for poultry owners, refer to the CDC at https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/groups/index.html.