Mexico City – Scientists are closely monitoring the spread of bird flu after the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed the death of a man in Mexico caused by a strain of H5N2 that had not previously been found in humans. The WHO stated that the source of the infection is currently unknown, but noted that A(H5N2) viruses have been detected in poultry in Mexico.
The man, aged 59, passed away in Mexico City on April 24 after experiencing symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, diarrhea, nausea, and general discomfort. Mexico’s health ministry confirmed that there had been no evidence of person-to-person transmission in this case, and all individuals who had contact with the victim tested negative for the virus.
In March, Mexico reported an outbreak of A(H5N2) in a family unit in the Michoacan state. The government reassured that the outbreak did not pose a risk to commercial farms or human health. Following the man’s death in April, authorities confirmed the presence of the virus and promptly reported the case to the WHO.
Experts are on high alert for any changes in the virus that could indicate a potential adaptation to spread more easily among humans. While the risk to the general population in Mexico was deemed low by the UN agency, ongoing surveillance and monitoring are crucial to prevent any potential outbreak.
Researchers emphasize the importance of monitoring avian influenza viruses closely, as H5 viruses have shown a tendency to infect mammals more than other avian influenza viruses since 1997. Cases of bird flu have also been identified in various mammals, including seals, raccoons, bears, and cattle, primarily through contact with infected birds.
The occurrence of the first human case of A(H5N1) infection in Australia in May highlighted the global concern surrounding bird flu. Although no transmission was detected in humans, the presence of H7 bird flu in poultry on farms in Victoria raised fears of a potential outbreak. The WHO continues to work closely with health authorities worldwide to prevent the spread of bird flu and protect public health.