The CDC assesses the risk to the general public as low, although individuals frequently exposed to birds and livestock face a higher risk.

The outbreak at the farm led to the euthanization of approximately 800,000 birds after they were found infected with avian influenza.

Four poultry workers in Washington state are presumed to have contracted bird flu, marking the sixth U.S. state with human cases this year.

These workers tested presumptively positive after working at an infected egg farm, where they had inconsistent use of protective gear.

Samples from the infected workers have been sent to the CDC for confirmation, and the reported symptoms have been mild.

California and Washington are planning to provide seasonal flu vaccines to farm workers to mitigate the risk of dual infections.

This incident represents the first presumed human infections of the H5 virus under investigation in Washington state.

State veterinarian Amber Itle assured consumers that infected chicken or eggs will not reach grocery stores, as measures are in place to deactivate the virus.

Health Secretary Umair Shah emphasized that the situation is evolving and being monitored closely for severe symptoms or significant mammal-to-mammal transmission.

Virologists warn that co-infections with both avian influenza and seasonal flu could lead to mutations, increasing the risk of human transmission.

Prior to these cases, 27 people nationwide had tested positive for the virus in 2024, most having known exposure to infected poultry or dairy cattle.

Health officials advised the public to avoid handling dead birds and urged those who worked on poultry farms since early October to report any respiratory symptoms.