New bird flu strain claims first human victim, WHO reports
By
Seia Ibanez
- Replies 18
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently confirmed a concerning development in infectious diseases: the first fatal human case of the bird flu A(H5N2) subtype.
This alarming news has raised questions and concerns among the global community, especially those often more vulnerable to such infections.
The victim, a 59-year-old resident of Mexico, succumbed to the illness on 24 April after experiencing a range of symptoms, including fever, shortness of breath, diarrhea, nausea, and general discomfort.
This case is the first laboratory-confirmed human infection with the A(H5N2) subtype of bird flu reported worldwide, and notably, the first H5 virus infection in a person reported in Mexico.
The individual had no known history of exposure to poultry or other animals, which are typically associated with the transmission of avian influenza to humans.
The WHO has reported that the person had multiple underlying medical conditions and had been bedridden for three weeks, due to other reasons, before the onset of the acute bird flu symptoms.
‘Although the source of exposure to the virus in this case is currently unknown, A(H5N2) viruses have been reported in poultry in Mexico,’ WHO said in a statement.
Mexico's Health Ministry stated that the origin of the infection in the individual from Mexico City remains unknown, yet there is currently no indication of transmission between individuals.
The ministry added that all people who had contact with him have tested negative
This information is crucial as it highlights the increased risk that individuals with pre-existing health issues face when it comes to infectious diseases.
This comes after a child in Victoria was confirmed to have the first case of bird flu in Australia after acquiring an H5N1 infection in India, and an H7N7 virus was detected on a Victorian egg farm, prompting bird owners to take strict biosecurity measures.
Despite these outbreaks, Agriculture Victoria assured the public that poultry and eggs in supermarkets are safe to consume and stressed the importance of immediately reporting any suspected emergency animal diseases.
How do you feel about this news, and what precautions do you think are necessary to stay safe? Let us know in the comments below.
This alarming news has raised questions and concerns among the global community, especially those often more vulnerable to such infections.
The victim, a 59-year-old resident of Mexico, succumbed to the illness on 24 April after experiencing a range of symptoms, including fever, shortness of breath, diarrhea, nausea, and general discomfort.
This case is the first laboratory-confirmed human infection with the A(H5N2) subtype of bird flu reported worldwide, and notably, the first H5 virus infection in a person reported in Mexico.
The individual had no known history of exposure to poultry or other animals, which are typically associated with the transmission of avian influenza to humans.
The WHO has reported that the person had multiple underlying medical conditions and had been bedridden for three weeks, due to other reasons, before the onset of the acute bird flu symptoms.
‘Although the source of exposure to the virus in this case is currently unknown, A(H5N2) viruses have been reported in poultry in Mexico,’ WHO said in a statement.
Mexico's Health Ministry stated that the origin of the infection in the individual from Mexico City remains unknown, yet there is currently no indication of transmission between individuals.
The ministry added that all people who had contact with him have tested negative
This information is crucial as it highlights the increased risk that individuals with pre-existing health issues face when it comes to infectious diseases.
This comes after a child in Victoria was confirmed to have the first case of bird flu in Australia after acquiring an H5N1 infection in India, and an H7N7 virus was detected on a Victorian egg farm, prompting bird owners to take strict biosecurity measures.
Despite these outbreaks, Agriculture Victoria assured the public that poultry and eggs in supermarkets are safe to consume and stressed the importance of immediately reporting any suspected emergency animal diseases.
Key Takeaways
- The World Health Organisation has confirmed the first fatal human case of bird flu A(H5N2).
- A 59-year-old resident of Mexico died after developing severe symptoms, including fever and shortness of breath.
- This is the first global report of a human infected with the A(H5N2) strain and the first in Mexico.
- The deceased had no known contact with poultry or animals and suffered from multiple underlying health conditions.