The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed the world’s first human death from bird flu in Mexico, revealing that a person with prior health complications succumbed to the virus in April. The source of exposure remains unidentified.
The deceased, a 59-year-old resident of the State of Mexico, was hospitalized in Mexico City and passed away on April 24, exhibiting symptoms including fever, shortness of breath, diarrhoea, nausea, and general discomfort, as per WHO.
While the individual had no known contact with poultry or animals, they suffered from chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes, putting them at a higher risk of severe influenza, stated Mexico’s Health Ministry.
Despite efforts to ascertain the source of infection, including testing individuals in contact with the victim and monitoring nearby farms, no evidence of person-to-person transmission has been found, asserted both the health ministry and WHO.
First known Human Bird Flu Case
The incident marks the first laboratory-confirmed human case of infection with an influenza A(H5N2) virus globally, and the first avian H5 virus reported in a person in Mexico, according to WHO.
Although unrelated to the recent outbreak of H5N1 bird flu in the United States, scientists remain vigilant for any mutation in the virus that could enhance human transmission, as H5 viruses have historically demonstrated a propensity to infect mammals.
In a separate development, Australia reported its first human case of A(H5N1) infection in May, with no signs of transmission observed.
Efforts to monitor and contain the spread of avian influenza continue worldwide, with authorities emphasizing the importance of ongoing surveillance and precautionary measures to mitigate potential risks to human health.
