Health
First Human Case of H5N2 Bird Flu Reported in Mexico: WHO Issues Advisory
A 59-year-old male resident of
Mexico perished after contracting a subtype of bird flu, H5N2, previously unseen in humans, as confirmed by the
on Wednesday. This marks the initial instance of a human being confirmed with the H5N2 subtype, and the first avian H5 virus in a person in
Mexico. The WHO emphasized the importance of continuous global surveillance due to the ever-evolving nature of influenza viruses. The organization maintained that the public health risk remains low and reiterated existing recommendations on measures and influenza surveillance.
The individual, who had pre-existing health conditions, had no known exposure to poultry or animals before an official diagnosis by a laboratory revealed the H5N2 infection, according to the statement by WHO. The man showed symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, and diarrhea, seeking medical assistance on April 24. He was admitted to the
National Institute of Respiratory Diseases
in Mexico City and passed away the same day.
It is worth noting that other subtypes of H5 avian flu have crossed over to humans previously, but evidence from past occurrences suggests they have not acquired the ability for sustained human-to-human transmission, as stated by WHO. Individuals in contact with the man shortly before his demise have so far tested negative for H5N2.
The broader category of H5 influenza viruses includes the more prevalent H5N1 strain, which is currently plaguing the U.S. dairy cattle, and is a known cause of public health concern. With more than 900 human cases recorded since 1997, the H5N1 strain has been recognized as a potential pandemic pathogen.
Experts advise that vigilance and rapid containment of outbreaks in poultry are vital. The recent developments underscore the urgency of monitoring and addressing avian influenza outbreaks promptly to mitigate risks to human health.
Avian influenza, particularly strains like H5N1, remains a significant worry for health officials due to its potential to cause widespread harm among birds, livestock, and humans. The recent cases of the virus spreading in U.S. dairy farms, coupled with the shared concerns over surveillance and control efforts, highlight the ongoing challenges posed by avian influenza around the globe.
