First Human Case of H5N2 Bird Flu Strain Results in Death in Mexico City, WHO Reports
Source: The DairyNews
The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed the death of a 59-year-old in Mexico City from the H5N2 strain of bird flu, marking the first human case of this subtype globally. The individual, who had prior health complications, died on April 24 after exhibiting symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, diarrhea, nausea, and general discomfort.
According to the WHO, this is the first laboratory-confirmed human case of the H5N2 avian influenza and the first instance of an avian H5 virus in a person in Mexico. The source of exposure to the virus remains unidentified, although H5N2 viruses have been reported in poultry within the country. The WHO has stated that the current risk of bird flu to the general population is low.
Mexico’s Health Ministry highlighted that there has been no evidence of person-to-person transmission of the virus. The deceased had multiple underlying health conditions, including chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes, which increased his susceptibility to severe influenza effects.
Officials have tested all individuals who had contact with the man, and all tests have returned negative. Notably, the individual had no history of direct exposure to poultry or other animals but had been bedridden for three weeks due to other medical reasons before developing acute symptoms.
This case follows recent reports of bird flu infections in humans globally, including Australia’s first human case of the H5N1 strain in a child returning from India, and infections among three dairy farm workers in the U.S. However, these cases are unrelated to the H5N2 strain reported in Mexico.
Mexico’s Health Ministry highlighted that there has been no evidence of person-to-person transmission of the virus. The deceased had multiple underlying health conditions, including chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes, which increased his susceptibility to severe influenza effects.
Officials have tested all individuals who had contact with the man, and all tests have returned negative. Notably, the individual had no history of direct exposure to poultry or other animals but had been bedridden for three weeks due to other medical reasons before developing acute symptoms.
This case follows recent reports of bird flu infections in humans globally, including Australia’s first human case of the H5N1 strain in a child returning from India, and infections among three dairy farm workers in the U.S. However, these cases are unrelated to the H5N2 strain reported in Mexico.
