A first human death due to avian flu H5N2 was confirmed in Mexico, marking an unprecedented event in the world according toWorld Health Organization (WHO). This unique case, announced Wednesday, represents the first documented human infection with this specific influenza virus HAS[H5N2].
The victim, a 59-year-old man, died on April 24 in a specialized institute in Mexico, just a few hours after his admission. He began experiencing the first symptoms, including fever, shortness of breath, diarrhea and nausea, on April 17. The case was officially reported to WHO on May 23.
Despite no known direct contact with poultry or other animals, the man suffered from several pre-existing health conditions, which may have contributed to his worsening condition. No other human cases of H5N2 has been reported to date, and the Mexican Ministry of Health and theWHO believe that the risk to the population remains low.
This strain H5N2 differs from H5N1, known for its impact on cattle UNITED STATES, where three human cases were detected. The recent spread of H5N2 in poultry, particularly in the State of Michoacan and to Texcoco in the state of Mexico, has not yet been directly linked to this human case. Investigations are continuing to determine possible links.
THE H5N2although less virulent than the H5N1, has been identified in various farms around the world in recent years without any transmission to humans having been previously confirmed. Concerning H5N1although no human-to-human transmission has been proven, the WHO expressed great concern in April about its spread.
