Wyoming

Wyoming’s first human bird flu case confirmed

Published

10 months ago

February 16, 2025

Press Room

Wyoming’s first human bird flu case confirmed

By Maggie Mullen

The Wyoming Department of Health announced Friday it had confirmed the state’s first case of bird flu in a human.

The patient, an older adult woman from Platte County, is being hospitalized out of state and represents the third hospitalization related to H5N1 in the United States, according to the department.

Still, the development does not “require a high level of concern among most Wyoming residents,” Dr. Alexia Harrist, state health officer and epidemiologist, said in a press release.

The woman has health conditions that can make people more vulnerable to illness, according to the press release, and she was likely exposed to the virus through direct contact with an infected poultry flock at her home.

“Our staff has followed up with other people who had contact with the flock and the patient, and will continue working with state and national experts to monitor the situation carefully for Wyoming,” Harrist said.

The virus has been known for several years to infect wild birds in Wyoming, and has also been confirmed in mountain lion cubs, snow geese, foxes, great horned owls, bald eagles and chickens.

Last June, the state confirmed its first case infecting dairy cows.

While the risk may be low, the department has several recommendations to avoid contracting the virus. It advises against consuming raw milk, or uncooked or undercooked poultry, eggs and other animal products. The department also recommends avoiding direct contact with wild birds, as well as wild or domestic birds that appear ill or have died.

Sick or dead birds may be reported to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department by calling 307-745-5865.

Infected birds shed virus through their saliva, mucous and feces, according to the department. Human infections can happen if the virus then gets into a person’s eyes, nose or mouth, or is inhaled.

Infections in humans can range from no symptoms to mild illness to severe symptoms, such as pneumonia requiring hospitalization. Signs and symptoms may include fever, chills, cough, sore throat and runny or stuffy nose, among others.

This article was originally published by WyoFile and is republished here with permission. WyoFile is an independent nonprofit news organization focused on Wyoming people, places and policy.

Source link

Wyoming

Five takeaways from the Wyoming Legislature’s budget hearings

Published

4 hours ago

December 16, 2025

Press Room

Five takeaways from the Wyoming Legislature’s budget hearings – County 17

Source link

Wyoming

Shoshoni youth sets new world record with largemouth bass catch

Published

16 hours ago

December 15, 2025

Press Room

Shoshoni youth sets new world record with largemouth bass catch

SHOSHONI, Wyo. — A 12-year-old boy from Shoshoni is now the proud holder of the Junior 4-pound Line Class world record for bass after netting a 2-pound, 4-ounce largemouth in August. The boy, coincidentally with the last name Bass, caught the fish at Lake Cameahwait.

According to a release from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Tucker Bass and his father were fishing over the lake on a two-person kayak when the young angler reeled in the record fish. He did so on a rod and reel given to him by his grandfather.

Bass is the first Wyoming resident to hold a world record in any category for largemouth. The International Game and Fish Association oversees all world records for fishing and officially approved Bass’s catch in November.

Wyoming’s state record largemouth was caught in 2018 near Sheridan. A comprehensive list of all Wyoming record fish can be found here.

“This is an exceptional accomplishment for a young angler,” WGF Lander Region fisheries supervisor Joe Deromedi said in the release. “Tucker’s record highlights not only his skill and dedication, but also the quality fishing opportunities we have in central Wyoming. It’s always exciting to see youth developing a lifelong passion for fishing.”

Bass, an avid fisherman, also earned Trophy Angler status in the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Master Angler program in August.

For more information on Tucker Bass’s record catch, see the Wyoming Game and Fish website.

Junior Line class 4-pound world record-holder Tucker Bass (WGF Department)

Source link

Wyoming

A Wyoming Beer Snake Makes Travis Kelce Proud

Published

1 day ago

December 15, 2025

Press Room

A Wyoming Beer Snake Makes Travis Kelce Proud

I know this is going to seem weird to read, but some people think Wyoming isn’t a real place. A fake fantasy world, they’ve only read about in books. Many who live in Wyoming are happy to hear that, because they won’t want to move here, but unfortunately, there’s a guy named Josh Allen who has confirmed that Wyoming is real.

READ MORE: Former Wyoming Coach Reconnects With Current NFL MVP

Josh has become a household name and a hero to young football fans everywhere. Even though the reigning NFL MVP wasn’t born and raised in Wyoming, he picked up on the Cowboy State’s traits. He is polite, kind, and does great things for others, including kids at the Oishei Children’s Hospital.

Josh’s impact on Wyoming is huge, and quite often, you’ll see social media posts from Wyomingites who are watching Josh play in Buffalo. Josh’s favorite wings restaurant ‘Double Dubs’ from Laramie, has won “People’s Choice” multiple times at the National Buffalo Chicken Festival in Buffalo.

READ MORE: Josh Allen’s Return To Wyoming For Jersey Retirement

Now, Josh’s influence on Wyoming has been highlighted on an episode of the New Heights Podcast hosted by Travis and Jason Kelce. Travis (Taylor Swift’s fiancé) mentioned that when Josh was in Laramie having his jersey retired, the fans in the stands created a giant beer snake, and he was proud of Wyoming.

Josh actually called on a fan to lead the student section to create that beer snake. Check out this TikTok video where the MVP asked a fan to get it done.

@trainwrecksports When QB1 requests a beer snake, you better start drinking! 🍻 🎥 via Bills on IG #BillsMafia ♬ original sound – Trainwreck Sports

During the clip on New Heights, interestingly enough, Jason Kelce, who seems to be quite the tailgate party guy, had never heard of a beer snake, but luckily, Travis explained it to him. And, just like that, Wyoming is on the map.

NFL Most Valuable Player Josh Allen Makes Return to Wyoming for Jersey Retirement

Josh Allen quarterbacked the Cowboys from 2015-17, leading Wyoming to a berth in the Mountain West Championship game his sophomore season. He declared for the NFL Draft in 2018 and was selected No. 7 overall by the Buffalo Bills.

Gallery Credit: DJ Johnson photos

Photos Of Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen

Here is a look at Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen
Advertisement

Gallery Credit: Dave Fields