Health Officer Update: Bird flu and respiratory illnesses
Dr. Herbie Duber is the health officer for Kitsap Public Health District. In addition to his work in public health, Dr. Duber serves as a professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Washington and is an attending physician at UW Medical Center and Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.
Hello and welcome to my November Health Officer Update. This month, I want to share information about avian influenza (bird flu) and an update on respiratory illness season.
Avian influenza (bird flu)
Bird flu is a virus commonly found in wild birds that can spread to domestic poultry, livestock, and other animals. Bird flu cases tend to increase in the fall and spring as wild birds migrate through our region.
For the first time in Washington, bird flu has been reported in dairy cattle. As of Nov. 12, bird flu has infected more than 40 dairy herds in Yakima County and one herd in Benton County.
There have been three human cases of bird flu in Yakima County among people who were exposed to infected dairy cows.
Tragically, one dairy worker died from bird flu complications.
For most people, the chance of getting sick with bird flu is very low. However, people who work closely with infected animals are at higher risk for getting bird flu. Farm workers can reduce their risk by following safety guidelines.
Dairy cows can also spread bird flu through their milk. Pasteurizing milk kills viruses and bacteria and makes it safer to drink. Drinking raw dairy milk can put you at risk for getting bird flu and more common illnesses like listeria or salmonella.
Backyard poultry flocks (such as chickens, turkeys, and ducks) can get bird flu too. If you have a backyard flock, make sure to:
Wash your hands after touching or caring for birds.
Keep wildlife away from your flock.
Don't touch sick or dead birds.
Report sick or dead birds to your veterinarian and the Washington State Department of Agriculture at 1-800-606-3056.
The Washington State Department of Health and Department of Agriculture are working closely with county partners to respond to bird flu cases.
No instances of bird flu spreading from human-to-human have been documented in the United States.
Respiratory illnesses are increasing
Flu activity started increasing in September this year, which is earlier than expected. Compared to November 2025, Washington hospitals are seeing a higher number of people with the flu visiting emergency departments this season.
COVID-19 and acute respiratory infections like the common cold are also spreading in Kitsap County.
Respiratory illnesses, including influenza, are often mild but can cause serious health complications and hospitalization. Some people are at higher risk of severe illness including very young children, older adults, people that are pregnant, and people with certain health conditions.
You can help protect yourself and your family from respiratory illnesses by:
Staying up to date on your vaccines, including seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
Washing your hands frequently.
Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
Disinfecting commonly used surfaces (like door handles and countertops).
Staying at home as much as possible if you are sick and keeping sick children home from school or daycare.
Free children’s vaccine clinics
We regularly hold free children’s vaccine clinics to help keep your family safe and healthy. Click on the events below to book an appointment or visit KitsapPublicHealth.org/clinic to learn more.
Learn more
You can watch my full report to the Kitsap Public Health Board by clicking on the video below or on Vimeo. You can read past Health Officer Updates on our blog.
Subscribe to get Health Officer Updates and other public health news by email or text. Have a question? Email pio@kitsappublichealth.org.
Other updates from Kitsap Public Health District
News
.png){kind=logo}
