WHO Confirms First Human Death from H5N2 Bird Flu in Mexico

The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that a man in Mexico has died from a strain of bird flu called H5N2, marking the first time this virus has been identified in a human. The 59-year-old man, who had been hospitalized in Mexico City, passed away on April 24 after experiencing fever, shortness of breath, diarrhea, nausea, and general discomfort.

The source of the man’s infection remains unclear, although H5N2 viruses have been previously reported in poultry in Mexico. The WHO has stated that the current risk of bird flu to the general population in Mexico is low, as there is no evidence of person-to-person transmission. Mexico’s health ministry noted that the deceased had several pre-existing health conditions, and all individuals who had contact with him tested negative for the virus.

This incident follows a March outbreak of H5N2 in a family unit in Michoacan, an isolated region in western Mexico. However, authorities have not found a connection between this outbreak and the man’s case. There were also three poultry outbreaks of H5N2 in nearby parts of Mexico in March, but these too appear unrelated.

Globally, scientists are vigilant for signs that bird flu viruses are adapting to spread more easily among humans. According to Andrew Pekosz, an influenza expert at Johns Hopkins University, H5 viruses have shown a tendency to infect mammals more frequently than other avian influenza viruses since 1997. This case underscores the importance of continuous monitoring to detect any mutations that might enhance the virus’s ability to infect humans.

Other strains of bird flu, such as H5N1, have previously infected people. Notably, H5N1 was found in three dairy farm workers in the United States recently. Meanwhile, Australia reported its first human case of H5N1 in May, with no signs of transmission, but also discovered more poultry cases of H7 bird flu in Victoria.

While bird flu predominantly affects birds, it has been found in various mammals, including seals, raccoons, bears, and cattle, typically due to contact with infected birds.

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