A new strain of bird flu has been detected in humans, prompting a warning from the World Health Organization about the potential impact on public health. The patient, a 59-year-old man in Mexico, died after a seven-day illness that included symptoms like fever, shortness of breath, diarrhea, and nausea. Testing revealed that he was infected with H5N2, a strain never before detected in humans.
Despite the severity of the illness in this case, officials have stated that the risk to the public is low, as the patient had underlying health conditions. It remains unclear how he became infected with the virus, as he had no history of exposure to poultry or other animals. Authorities noted that a human infection with a novel bird flu virus has the potential for a significant public health impact.
The patient, from Mexico City, became ill on April 17 but waited a week before seeking medical help, ultimately dying on the same day of admission due to complications. Close contacts of the patient at the hospital and in his community were tested for the virus, with all results coming back negative. Additional blood tests are being conducted to determine if any individuals had a previous infection.
The source of the infection is still unknown, although several flocks of poultry that carry H5N2 have recently tested positive for the virus. The World Health Organization continues to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as more information becomes available.