The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed the first laboratory-confirmed human fatal case of Avian influenza A (H5N2) In Mexico.
Previously, avian influenza A virus (H5N2) was only found in birds.
On May 23, Mexican health officials confirmed a case of H5N2 Avian Influenza A 59-year-old Mexico State resident contracted the virus while hospitalized in Mexico City.
“This is the first laboratory-confirmed case of human infection with influenza A(H5N2) virus reported worldwide and the first case of human infection with avian influenza H5 virus reported in Mexico,” the WHO said in a statement.
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The WHO said the case began on April 17, when the patient had underlying diseases and developed symptoms such as fever, wheezing, diarrhea, nausea and general discomfort. On April 24, the patient sought medical treatment and was admitted to the hospital, where he died of complications on the same day.
WHO added that while the source of exposure for this case is currently unknown, the A(H5N2) virus has been reported in poultry in Mexico.
WHO said that based on the available information, the risk of the virus to the general population is currently assessed to be low.
Since 2020, the avian influenza virus has spread to more animal species in many countries. In March this year, the H5N1 strain was found in dairy cows in the United States. Since then, at least three people have been diagnosed with avian influenza. They are all workers in infected dairy farms, but their illness is relatively mild.
— Information from Reuters
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