WHO Reports First Human Death from H5N2 Avian Influenza in Mexico
The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed the first-ever case of a human fatality due to the H5N2 avian influenza virus. A 59-year-old man from Mexico died on April 24, 2023, just hours after being hospitalized. Despite having no known contact with poultry or other animals, the man succumbed to the virus shortly after showing symptoms of fever, shortness of breath, diarrhea, nausea, and general malaise on April 17.
This unprecedented human infection has raised concerns but remains classified as a 'low risk' for the general public. According to WHO, the patient had been bedridden for three weeks due to pre-existing conditions such as chronic renal failure, diabetes, and high blood pressure. While the exact source of the infection remains unknown, health authorities have tested individuals who had been in contact with the deceased at home and in the hospital, and no further cases have been detected so far.
March saw reports of H5N2 infection in poultry in various regions around Mexico, including Michoacan, Texcoco, and Temascalapa. However, the connection between these avian cases and the human fatality remains unverified. Notably, H5N2 is less pathogenic than H5N1, a different strain of avian influenza that has recently infected three people in the United States. Despite WHO's assurance that the risk of sustained human-to-human transmission remains low, the case has brought forth an increased awareness of avian influenza types such as H5N1.
WHO emphasized the need for continuous monitoring and further research into avian influenza viruses to preempt potential public health crises. The organization highlights that the current data suggest these viruses have not acquired the ability to sustain human-to-human transmission, thereby limiting their risk to public health.
- The H5N2 virus belongs to the avian influenza type A category, including other well-known strains like H5N1, H5N6, and H5N8. While several factors surrounding the deceased individual's infection remain uncertain, WHO remains vigilant and continues its exhaustive efforts to trace the virus's origin.
- In recent years, various strains of avian influenza have been reported in animals and occasionally in humans across multiple countries. Continuous surveillance and stringent biosecurity measures on poultry farms are crucial to mitigating further outbreaks.
- The WHO reiterates its call for calm, advising that the 'available *epidemiological* and virological evidence suggests that A(H5) viruses from previous events have not acquired the capacity to sustain transmission between humans.' Nonetheless, they advise maintaining vigilance and prioritizing public health safety.
