A mutation in the outbreak strain may have public health implications, given that it is present in the 2009 H1N1 pandemic flu virus.
Also, officials detail outbreaks in poultry globally, and 3 more grizzlies are infected in Montana.
Ecuador's health ministry reports the country's first human infection involving H5 avian influenza.
Infected mammals include skunks, grizzly bears, a raccoon, and a red fox.
The patient is from Hunan province's capital city, and the report didn't detail any poultry exposure.
The strain has caused mild infections in Europe and the United States.
Globally, 4 human H5N1 infections have been reported related to the surge in circulation in poultry and wild birds.
The states include California, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Washington.
Also, Alaska officials report H5N1 avian flu in a dead Kodiak bear cub.
Officials report more highly pathogenic avian flu outbreaks at commercial turkey farms in Iowa and South Dakota.
