The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed the first human death from bird flu, marking a significant and alarming milestone in the global fight against the virus. A 59-year-old resident of Mexico succumbed to avian influenza A (H5N2), the first known human case of this strain.
According to Mexican health officials, the victim died on April 24 after experiencing severe symptoms including fever, shortness of breath, diarrhoea, nausea, and general discomfort. The WHO confirmed that this is the first laboratory-confirmed human infection with the H5N2 strain globally and the first avian H5 virus infection reported in Mexico.
The case has raised immediate concerns as the victim had no prior contact with poultry or other animals, a typical route for bird flu transmission. Additionally, the individual had several pre-existing medical conditions, which may have exacerbated the severity of the illness. The patient had been bedridden for three weeks before the onset of severe symptoms.
Global Health Alert
The WHO received information about the case on May 23, underscoring the critical need for enhanced surveillance and reporting systems to monitor the spread of avian influenza. Experts have long warned about the potential for bird flu strains to mutate and pose significant threats to human health.
It is important to note that the H5N2 strain responsible for this death differs from the H5N1 strain currently circulating in livestock in the United States. In March, H5N1 was detected in US dairy herds, leading to mild cases in three dairy workers.
Symptoms and Precautions
Bird flu symptoms in humans can range from mild to severe. The major symptoms include:
- Mild flu-like upper respiratory symptoms
- Eye redness (conjunctivitis)
- Fever (temperature of 100ºF [37.8ºC] or greater) or feeling feverish
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Seizures
Health officials are urging the public to take precautions and report any unusual illnesses, especially those with symptoms matching avian flu. This case highlights the importance of monitoring animal-to-human transmission risks and improving global health responses to potential pandemics.