India, Nov. 17 -- Washington state has reported the first suspected human case of H5N1 bird flu in the US since February.

The patient, an older adult with underlying conditions, remains in hospital as investigations continue.

Officials have not yet identified the source of infection and are tracing potential contacts.

Experts warn the virus still carries "pandemic potential", though human transmission remains difficult.

A resident of Washington state in the United States has tested positive for avian influenza, or bird flu, in what could be the first human case reported in the country since February, health officials have said.

Preliminary findings indicate the infection involves H5N1, a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) strai...