First Human Death from H5N2 Bird Flu Reported in Mexico
A significant milestone in the ongoing global bird flu crisis has been reached with the first confirmed human death from the H5N2 avian influenza virus. The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that this case marks both the first laboratory-confirmed human infection with H5N2 and the first avian H5 virus infection in a person within Mexico.
The deceased was a 59-year-old individual who had multiple pre-existing health conditions. After experiencing an acute onset of symptoms including high fever and shortness of breath, the person was hospitalized in Mexico City and subsequently died on April 24. Despite thorough investigations, there is currently no clear evidence that the individual had direct contact with infected poultry or other animals. No additional infections have been detected among the person's close contacts or the healthcare staff involved.
WHO Assesses Low Risk to General Population
The WHO has reiterated its call for global vigilance in monitoring and investigating clusters of illness associated with avian influenza. Despite the devastating impact on affected individuals, the WHO assesses that the overall risk to the general population remains low. However, its experts highlight that avian flu viruses can mutate, potentially increasing their transmissibility among humans.
The H5N2 outbreak among poultry in Mexico precedes the reported human fatality. Authorities detected cases of H5N2 in backyard poultry farms in the state of Michoacán and also in Mexico State. This outbreak harks back to March and April, posing a potential, albeit unconfirmed, link to the human case.
Bird flu, primarily transmitted through contact with infected birds, has generated sporadic human cases globally, with symptoms that often resemble those of regular flu, ranging from mild respiratory issues to severe conditions like pneumonia. Due to these symptom overlaps, comprehensive testing is essential for accurate diagnosis. Current treatment involves antiviral medications as prescribed by healthcare authorities.
With the global bird flu outbreak stretching across various continents and impacting numerous bird and mammal species, including dairy cows in the United States, health organizations are accelerating the development of pandemic vaccines to ensure rapid response capabilities in case of wider human transmission.
- The overall toll from bird flu viruses, as reported by the WHO, includes 463 deaths from A(H5N1) infections from 2003 to May 2024 across 23 countries. Compared to the newly confirmed H5N2 strain, A(H5N1) has had a more prolonged history of human infection cases.
- In Mexico, the most recent H5N2 cases among poultry were identified in locations such as Texcoco, Mexico State, and Temascalapa, Mexico State, continuing into April. This underpins the necessity for ongoing surveillance by health authorities to trace and manage potential human exposures effectively.
- In the United States, the H5N1 strain has caused an avian flu outbreak within dairy cow herds. Only a few isolated human cases have been noted, with no evidence thus far of human-to-human transmission. American health authorities continue to monitor and manage the situation closely.
