Bird flu infects many species, including wild animals, according to the United Nations. Ducks, quail and at least one eagle have been euthanized due to the virus. A global outbreak of H5 bird flu has infected millions of animals since 2020. The virus can infect chickens, cows and, more rarely, humans.

With so much H5N1 circulating in the U.S., scientists worry we are a few mutations away from a potential human pandemic.

The woman had a backyard flock of chickens that got sick and died, a CDC spokesperson said Saturday. The state health department said the woman, who lives in Platte County, Wyoming, likely had direct contact with the flock. It said she also has other health conditions and is hospitalized in another state.