Tragedy as man dies from virus 'never before seen' in humans

The first human to have become infected a strain of bird flu previously only seen in animals has died, officials have confirmed

A man has died after contracting a virus previously only found in animals, sparking fears of a new disease outbreak. The man was rushed to hospital earlier this month after he contracted a high fever, leading to confusion and breathing difficulties.

Shocked officials later diagnosed the patient with H5N5, a subtype of bird flu typically carried by ducks, geese and other wild birds. The Washington State Department of Health described the patient as being "older" and having "underlying health conditions."

They also revealed that the man kept a "mixed backyard flock of domestic poultry" at his home in Grays Harbour County, in the southwest region of the US s