A Washington state resident has tested positive for bird flu, marking the first human case in the U.S. in nine months, and with a strain only seen in animals before.

A Washington resident has been hospitalized with bird flu, according to the Washington State Health Department, and they’re infected with a strain of the virus that hasn’t been seen in humans before.

The variant is known as influenza A subtype H3N2 subclade K–sometimes called “subclade K” for short—and it has been detected in Japan as well, where public health authorities declared a flu epidemic last month.

An urgent call for people to have a flu jab has been issued in Lincolnshire following a rise in cases. The NHS said it saw a "significant increase" last week in line with the national picture, with the highest rates being in those aged between five and 14.

It is not yet clear how much of an impact these rising cases of bird flu could have on costs. As experts have said, if cases continue to surge, there could be ripple effects through the market, reaching the prices consumers pay for certain products in grocery stores.

A flu strain that emerged over the summer is causing "unprecedented" outbreaks in Japan, as well as in Canada and the U.K. The CDC hasn't provided insights on flu in the U.S. in nearly two months.

Health officials in the United Kingdom are warning that this year’s flu season for the Northern Hemisphere is looking like it will be particularly rough—and the US is not prepared.