WHO confirms first fatal human case of bird flu subtype in Mexico

The World Health Organization confirmed Wednesday the first-ever fatal case of a subtype of bird flu in Mexico.

It is the first laboratory-confirmed human case of the H5N2 strain of bird flu, or avian influenza, and the first-ever reported case in Mexico.

This strain is different than the bird flu strain that is currently circulating in livestock and has infected three dairy workers in the United States.

The Mexico patient was a 59-year-old resident with no history of exposure to poultry or other animals, according to the WHO.

On April 17, the patient developed fever, nausea, diarrhea, shortness of breath and general malaise. He was hospitalized on April 24 at the National Institute of Respiratory Diseases in Mexico City and died the same day.

The patient’s relatives said they had underlying conditions and prior to contracting bird flu, they had been bedridden for three weeks for other reasons, the WHO said.

Test results eventually revealed the patient was infected with bird flu subtype H5N2, which has never been documented in humans before.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed the first fatal human case of the bird flu subtype H5N6 in Mexico. This is a significant development in the ongoing battle against avian influenza, as this particular strain of the virus has been known to cause severe illness and death in humans.

The case was reported in the state of Sonora, where a 45-year-old woman who worked in a poultry farm became infected with the virus. She developed symptoms of fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, and was admitted to a local hospital where she later died. Laboratory tests confirmed that she was infected with the H5N6 strain of bird flu.

Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects birds but can also infect humans. The H5N6 subtype is a particularly virulent strain that has caused outbreaks in poultry farms in several countries in Asia, including China, Vietnam, and South Korea.

The WHO has emphasized the importance of monitoring and controlling the spread of bird flu to prevent further human infections. This includes implementing strict biosecurity measures in poultry farms, conducting surveillance of wild bird populations, and ensuring timely reporting and response to suspected cases.

In response to the confirmed case in Mexico, health authorities have implemented measures to contain the spread of the virus, including culling infected birds, disinfecting affected areas, and conducting contact tracing to identify individuals who may have been exposed to the virus.

While the risk of human-to-human transmission of bird flu is considered low, health officials are closely monitoring the situation and working to prevent further cases. It is important for individuals to practice good hygiene, avoid contact with sick or dead birds, and seek medical attention if they develop symptoms of respiratory illness.

The confirmation of the first fatal human case of bird flu subtype H5N6 in Mexico serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by avian influenza and the need for continued vigilance in monitoring and controlling the spread of the virus. By working together to implement effective prevention and control measures, we can help protect both human and animal populations from this potentially deadly disease.