Yakima County resident dies from complications of bird flu after dairy exposure

A Yakima County resident who was hospitalized with a severe illness after contracting avian influenza following exposure at a dairy with infected cattle has died, the Yakima Health District said. In a news release issued on Sunday, the health district said the person died "today" from complications of avian influenza, also known as bird flu. The health district said the victim had underlying health conditions. "Out of respect for the family’s privacy," the district said it is not releasing the person’s name, gender or age. Health officials said the risk of avian influenza infection to the general public remains low, but noted that people at greater risk include dairy workers and others who have close or prolonged contact with infected animals or environments contaminated with the virus.