1. April: A person with health issues died in Mexico from bird flu, per WHO.
2. Virus exposure source remains unidentified.
3. WHO’s statement on Wednesday confirms the situation.
Mexico, June 06: In April, a person with pre-existing health issues died in Mexico after contracting bird flu, as per the World Health Organization’s statement on Wednesday.
The source of the virus exposure remains unidentified.
The individual, a 59-year-old from the State of Mexico, was hospitalized in Mexico City and succumbed on April 24. Symptoms included fever, shortness of breath, diarrhoea, nausea, and general discomfort.
Although the specific source of exposure is unclear, WHO mentioned the presence of A(H5N2) viruses in Mexican poultry.
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This marked the first confirmed human case of influenza A(H5N2) globally and the first avian H5 virus reported in Mexico. Scientists noted this case is unrelated to the H5N1 bird flu outbreak in the United States.
Mexico’s Health Ministry confirmed the victim’s chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes but couldn’t determine the infection source. Despite no history of poultry exposure, the person’s multiple underlying conditions increased influenza severity.
While Mexico previously reported an A(H5N2) outbreak, there’s no evidence of its transmission risk to distant farms or human health. Mexican authorities notified WHO after the April death, confirming the virus’s presence.
The case didn’t involve person-to-person transmission, and close contacts tested negative for bird flu. Although rare, bird flu has infected mammals like seals and bears, primarily through contact with infected birds.
With H5 viruses showing a propensity to infect mammals since 1997, scientists emphasize vigilance.
Recent cases in the United States and Australia highlight the ongoing need for monitoring and prevention efforts.
