The man, whose identity has not been released, began showing serious symptoms including fever, shortness of breath, diarrhea, nausea and general malaise, reports The Sun. According to a WHO spokesperson, “This is the first laboratory-confirmed human case of A(H5N2) virus infection reported in the world, and the first case of A(H5) virus infection in a person in Mexico“. The patient suffered from several chronic illnesses, including chronic kidney failure, diabetes and hypertension, which may have facilitated the infection and worsened his condition.
Despite the absence of contact with poultry, health authorities do not rule out infection due to indirect contact. The patient had been bedridden for three weeks for other reasons before the onset of acute symptoms. Hospitalized a week after the onset of symptoms, he died the same day of admission due to serious complications.
Other precedents for bird flu
Experts point out that several strains of avian flu have already infected humans in the past, with sometimes fatal consequences. In 2023, a 56-year-old woman in China died after contracting the H3N8 virus, likely in a wet market. In 2021, 18 people died from the H5N6 virus in China, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A year later, China reported a human case of H5N1, also fatal.
Andrew Pekosz, an avian influenza expert at Johns Hopkins University, points out that “Since 1997, H5 viruses have shown a continued propensity to infect mammals more than any other avian influenza virus. Each transmission is an opportunity for the virus to accumulate the mutations necessary for better infectivity in humans“.
Virus mutations under close surveillance
Vigilance is required among scientists who are closely monitoring mutations in avian flu viruses.
Infection of animals such as seals, raccoons, bears and livestock is primarily due to contact with infected birds. Experts say changes in the virus could make it easier to transmit between humans, although this is not yet the case for H5N2.
Dr Ed Hutchinson, senior lecturer at the MRC-University of Glasgow Center for Virus Research, warns that “Although the attention of many is focused on H5N1 in livestock in the United States, this case serves as a reminder that there are many other influenza viruses with the potential to infect humansHutchinson adds that this infection appears to be an isolated incident, but the situation remains under surveillance.
What are the symptoms of the illness ?
Symptoms of bird flu usually appear very quickly and include high fever, muscle aches, headache, cough or shortness of breath. Other early symptoms may include diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, chest pain, nose and gum bleeding, as well as conjunctivitis.
To limit the risk of infection, it is essential to avoid contact with sick or dead birds, wash your hands frequently and follow the recommendations of health authorities. People in contact with poultry must also wear appropriate protective equipment.
Were there other people infected?
Health authorities continue to test people who were in contact with the Mexican patient for possible infections. To date, no other human cases of H5N2 have been reported, and the risk of spread appears low. However, experts remain on alert, aware that each new infection is an opportunity for the virus to mutate and potentially become more transmissible between humans.
Vigilance remains required as scientists work to understand infection mechanisms and develop strategies to prevent an outbreak. Research into the virus’s genetic sequences could provide answers about its ability to infect humans and help anticipate future changes.
