MEXICO CITY: The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed the death of a man in Mexico due to the H5N2 strain of bird flu virus, marking the first recorded human fatality caused by this particular strain, The Hill reported.
The victim, a 59-year-old man from Mexico, succumbed to the virus on the same day he was admitted to a hospital in Mexico City. Prior to his demise, he experienced various symptoms, including fever, shortness of breath, diarrhea, nausea, and overall malaise, according to the WHO’s statement.
It was revealed that the deceased had a history of “multiple underlying medical conditions” and had been bedridden for three weeks prior to the onset of acute symptoms. The WHO confirmed that his passing was a result of complications arising from his condition.
Of particular concern is the fact that the man had no known exposure to poultry or other animals, leaving the source of his infection shrouded in mystery. This incident marks the first documented human death linked to the H5N2 strain, which has not previously been reported in humans.
Disturbingly, this strain differs from the more commonly known H5N1 variant of the bird flu virus, which has recently caused outbreaks among livestock in the United States and has infected three dairy farm workers.
Despite the alarming nature of this case, the WHO has reassured the public, stating that the current risk of the virus spreading to the general population remains “low.” However, vigilance and monitoring are paramount given the potential for further transmission.
Mexico has previously experienced cases of H5N2 among its poultry population, but the WHO has yet to establish a definitive link between these cases and the recent human infection.
