A Yakima County, Washington, resident who was hospitalized with severe illness after contracting bird flu following exposure at a dairy with infected cattle died on Nov. 1.

This is the first known person in the U.S. to die from complications from bird flu in 2026 and the third in the U.S. to die from bird flu since February 2024, when the virus jumped into dairy cattle for the first time, CNN reported.

Yakima health officials said the individual had underlying health conditions, but they would not be releasing the name, gender or age of the deceased. On Oct. 31, the Yakima Health District (YHD), in coordination with the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), reported its second human case of bird flu in a resident after exposure at a dairy with infected cattle. At that time, the individual was hospitalized with severe illness and had underlying health conditions.

On Oct. 8, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) and the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) confirmed the first detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in two dairy farms in Yakima County. This marked the first known case of HPAI in cattle in Washington. Dairy cattle in 19 states have been infected since the outbreak began in March 2024.

With the Oct. 8 announcement, YHD contacted the affected dairies to monitor and protect the health of people exposed to the infected cattle. It offered to coordinate testing for any exposed person who develops symptoms to ensure prompt identification and appropriate treatment for any human cases. In addition, WSDA worked with the farms to employ strict biosecurity measures and quarantine the infected cattle.

By Oct. 15, YHD confirmed its first case of bird flu in a Yakima County resident who was exposed to infected dairy cattle at a Yakima County dairy. The resident did not experience severe illness or require hospitalization. The individual isolated at home. On Nov. 1, YHD confirmed its third human case of bird flu in a Yakima County resident who was exposed to infected dairy cattle at a Yakima County dairy. The individual has not experienced severe illness or been hospitalized.

With these three cases, health officials still said the risk of avian influenza infection to the public remains low. People at greater risk include dairy workers and others who have close or prolonged contact with infected animals or environments contaminated with the virus. Transmission of avian influenza between humans is extremely rare. It has never been documented in the U.S. Public health officials are continuing to monitor individuals who had close contact with the patient for symptoms.

ISSA, The Association for Cleaning and Facility Solutions, has been approved by the Department of Labor as the first Registered Apprenticeship Sponsor for the Cleaning Technician occupation. This apprenticeship is the first nationally recognized registered apprenticeship for front-line cleaning workers and marks the first time the professional cleaning industry has entered the national apprenticeship framework.

The competency-based program pairs structured training with applied, on-the-job experience. Apprentices will work toward nationally recognized credentials, with an emphasis on safety, infection prevention and professional standards. The program gives employers a consistent pipeline of skilled talent in a field that has long lacked a formal career ladder.

“Cleaning professionals keep our schools, hospitals, businesses and communities healthy and safe, yet the industry has never had a nationally recognized apprenticeship pathway for its front-line workforce,” said John Nothdurft, ISSA Vice President of Government and Public Affairs. “We are grateful to the Department of Labor for approving this apprenticeship and ISSA as the first national sponsor. This program gives workers the first-ever clear path from entry-level roles to supervisory positions and gives employers a proven tool to train, retain and advance their people.”

ISSA plans to enroll its first cohort of approximately 20 apprentices beginning Dec. 1. The following organizations have agreed to serve as pilot employers:

• GRBS Inc.
• Goodwill Industries Southern California
• Integrity Maintenance Solutions LLC
• Melwood Enterprises
• Verde Clean LLC

“For many people with disabilities, the cleaning and custodial industry provides an entry point into the workforce when other options are not available. Now, a formal apprenticeship training will create a pathway to turn a first job into a career,” said Larysa Kautz, CEO of the Melwood family of companies. “By combining hands-on experience with structured training and career development, this partnership can help workers build lasting skills, achieve greater economic independence, and find stable jobs in this industry. Melwood is proud to serve as a pilot employer in this effort to expand career opportunities and strengthen the custodial workforce.”

“Cleaning is essential work, and the people doing it deserve recognition, investment and a clear path to grow,” said Amber Reyna, chief revenue officer and partner of Verde Clean. “At Verde, we’re supporting ISSA’s apprenticeship program early because we see tremendous value in giving people a pathway to build their skills and advance while helping employers attract, develop, and retain the talent our industry needs.” 

Registered apprenticeships are one of the most effective workforce strategies available to employers. According to the labor department, employers receive US$1.47 in return for every $1 invested in apprenticeships through improved productivity, lower turnover and reduced recruitment costs. The department also reported that 97% of employers using registered apprenticeships said the model has increased worker productivity, and 92% said it has improved employee engagement and retention.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects roughly 350,300 openings for janitors and building cleaners each year during the next decade, and employers continue to face high turnover and a shortage of structured career pathways. Demand for skilled cleaning professionals has also grown since the pandemic, as health and safety expectations have increased.

For workers, the program offers a portable, labor department-recognized credential, progressive wage increases and a defined route to supervisory roles. Apprentices may also qualify for financial support, such as Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding, 529 savings plans and scholarships. Employers in certain states may be eligible for tax credits that offset qualified education expenses and wages.

Employers interested in sponsoring apprentices in future cohorts starting in 2027 can learn more and express interest on the ISSA website.