The World Health Organization confirmed the death of a person in Mexico due to a strain of bird flu that had not been previously detected in humans. The 59-year-old individual was hospitalized in Mexico City and passed away after developing symptoms such as a fever, shortness of breath, and diarrhea. This case marks the first instance of a person contracting the H5N2 strain of bird flu, sparking concerns about a strain that had not received much attention before. It is important to note that the current bird flu outbreak in US dairy cows is caused by a different strain, H5N1.
The patient, who resided in Central Mexico, did not have any known exposure to poultry or other animals and had preexisting medical conditions. Despite efforts by the Mexican government, the source of the virus exposure remains unknown. The H5N2 strain of avian influenza has been found in poultry in the Mexican state where the patient lived. While no other cases of H5N2 in humans have been reported, the WHO states that the risk posed by the virus to the general public is currently low.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have not commented on this specific case yet. According to the WHO, the deceased patient had been bedridden for unrelated reasons for three weeks before showing acute symptoms of the virus. Mexican health authorities notified the WHO of the human case on May 23 after confirming the presence of the H5N2 virus. It is crucial for public health officials to monitor the situation closely to prevent any further spread of the virus and to protect the population from potential outbreaks.