A Grays Harbor, Washington, resident, who was hospitalized with influenza symptoms in early November, has been confirmed to have influenza A H5, a type of bird flu. Additional testing shows the virus to be H5N5, an avian influenza virus that has previously been reported in animals but never in humans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) consider the risk to the public from avian influenza to be low. This marks the first case of bird flu in the U.S. in nine months, and as of January the CDC has confirmed 71 cases in humans and one death.

The person is an older adult with underlying health conditions and has been hospitalized. The affected person has a mixed backyard flock of domestic poultry at home that had exposure to wild birds. Domestic poultry or wild birds are the most likely source of virus exposure; however, a public health investigation is ongoing. The Washington State Department of Health is working with the local health department and the Washington State Department of Agriculture to complete exposure and animal health investigations. 

The risk of avian influenza increases in the fall and winter because migratory birds can carry the virus and spread it to domestic animals including commercial poultry farms and backyard flocks.

It is especially important that people who may have exposure to sick birds get a seasonal flu vaccine, Washington health officials said. While the seasonal flu vaccine will not prevent bird flu infection, it reduces the risk of becoming sick with both human and bird flu viruses at the same time. Though unlikely, infection with both viruses could result in the emergence of a bird flu virus that is more easily transmitted from person to person. Seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older.

Transmission of avian influenza between humans is extremely rare and has never been documented in the U.S. To ensure that human-to-human spread is not occurring, public health officials are contacting anyone who has been in close contact with the patient to monitor for symptoms and provide testing and treatment as needed.

The Winter 2025 Issue of Cleanfax is now available in a digital format. In this issue, get your own “Reality Check” with the 2025 Carpet and Floor Cleaning Benchmarking Survey—a data-packed look at pricing, labor, service mix, and growth. Dive into The Lead Machine for five proven ways to turn clicks into booked jobs, bust eight carpet-cleaning myths, and see why new research says to rethink wool/nylon durability. Sharpen your technical edge with mold assessment protocols and allergen-reduction carpet care, then level up leadership with Grow Yourself in 2026. Plus: Best Buys of 2026 and the latest Products & Services to outfit your team.

Don’t miss it—this issue is your winter briefing for leaders who move the industry forward.

Here’s a quick look at what you’ll find in this issue:

• The Work/Life Balance Concept: Is it time for a rebrand?
• Rethink Carpet Fiber Durability: What the latest study reveals about commercial carpet.
• Carpet Maintenance to Reduce Allergens: The science behind allergen trapping in carpet versus hard surfaces.
• It’s Not About the Equipment: It’s about the expectations.
• Expertise Matters for Mold Assessment: Mold remediation protocols and partnerships lead the way to healthier indoor air.
• Best Buys of 2026: The equipment you need in the new year.
• The 20265 Carpet and Floor Cleaning Benchmarking Survey Report: How do you compare on pricing, labor, and winning business?
• The Lead Machine: 5 strategies to turn clicks into clients.
• Grow Yourself in 2026: Invest in your skills first—and watch your company follow.
• Busted: 8 misleading carpet cleaning myths exposed.
• The Last Word: Five Questions: Brian Suggs

View the Table of Contents and see all that’s available in this issue

Keep up to date on industry topics in video format. Subscribe today for free.

Advertise and promote your company, products, and services in the next issue of Cleanfax magazine.

Do you have article ideas or content to share? Reach out via email to Jeff Cross, media director for Cleanfax.