The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Wednesday the world's first death from the avian flu A(H5N2), identified in a lab in Mexico and in a patient from that country.
The victim was a 59-year-old man living in the State of Mexico, near the capital, who passed away on April 24. Although the virus had been reported in poultry in the nation, this is the first human case. The source of the patient's exposure to the virus remains unknown, as he had no history of contact with poultry or other animals and was bedridden due to an underlying illness.
The WHO confirmed this as the first laboratory-confirmed human case of influenza A(H5N2) infection globally and the first such infection reported in a person in Mexico. On May 23, Mexican health authorities notified the international organization about the confirmed human infection with the avian influenza A(H5N2) virus.
According to family members, the patient already had other health conditions but developed fever, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, nausea, and general malaise on April 17. On April 24, he sought medical attention and was admitted to the ‘Ismael Cosío Villegas’ National Institute of Respiratory Diseases (INER), where he died the same day due to complications from his illness.
At INER, 17 contacts of the patient were identified, one of whom reported nasal discharge between April 28 and 29, according to the WHO. An additional 12 contacts (seven symptomatic and five asymptomatic) were identified near the victim's residence.
This case emerges as the H5N1 avian flu virus has spread among dairy cows in the United States. While three human cases have been recorded in the U.S. this year, American health authorities have clarified that none are related to the outbreak in cows. H5N1 is a highly contagious subtype of avian flu among birds.
At the end of March, it was reported that dairy cows in Texas and Kansas were infected with avian flu. Subsequently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed cases in a herd of dairy cows in Michigan that had been in contact with animals from Texas.
In Mexico, on April 5, the National Service for Health, Safety and Quality (Senasica) declared the country free of avian flu A(H5N2), stating that the virus had been absent for over 25 years, with the last confirmed case in commercial production dating back to June 5, 1995.
Mexican authorities have not provided further information on the case reported to the WHO at this time. The WHO emphasized the need for continuous surveillance and the potential development of vaccines in the event of an avian flu pandemic, estimating that vaccines could be produced within four months in case of an emergency.
FAQs on the First Death from H5N2 Avian Flu
In light of the recent confirmation of the world's first death from the H5N2 avian flu, many people have questions regarding the virus, its spread, and the implications for public health. Below are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
What is the H5N2 avian flu?
H5N2 is a subtype of avian influenza that primarily affects birds but can occasionally infect humans, leading to severe respiratory illness.
How did the first human case of H5N2 avian flu occur?
The first human case was reported in Mexico. The patient, a 59-year-old man, had no known exposure to poultry or other animals and was bedridden due to an underlying illness.
What measures are being taken to prevent the spread of H5N2?
The WHO has emphasized the importance of continuous surveillance and the potential development of vaccines. Mexican authorities are also monitoring contacts of the infected patient.
Is there a risk of a pandemic from H5N2?
While the risk of a pandemic remains low, the WHO is prepared to produce vaccines within four months if an emergency arises.