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The first-ever laboratory-confirmed human case of the H5N2 avian influenza (bird flu) has been reported by Mexico, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Bird flu is caused by an influenza virus commonly found in wild aquatic birds, and it can also affect domestic poultry, other birds, and animals. While rare, bird flu infections in humans are possible.
The WHO stated yesterday that the case was reported by Mexico's International Health Regulations (IHR) national focal point (NFP) on May 23.
The infected individual, a 59-year-old resident, experienced symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, diarrhoea, nausea, and general discomfort. The victim had no known exposure to poultry or other animals but had underlying medical conditions.
Although the source of exposure to the virus is currently unknown, H5N2 viruses have been found in poultry in Mexico.
The case's relatives mentioned that the individual had been bedridden for three weeks prior to the onset of acute symptoms. Despite an epidemiological investigation, no further cases were reported.
Out of the 17 contacts identified and monitored at the hospital where the case died, only one reported a runny nose between April 28 and 29.
The WHO confirmed that this is the first laboratory-confirmed human case of the H5N2 virus reported globally. In March 2024, an outbreak of H5N2 was detected in a backyard poultry farm in the state of Mich.
