GENEVA: The World Health Organization reported on Wednesday that the first verified instance of a human infection with the H5N2 form occurred in Mexico, where a person died from bird flu.
The 59-year-old had “no history of exposure to poultry or other animals” and “multiple underlying medical conditions,” according to a statement from the WHO. She passed away on April 24 after experiencing fever, shortness of breath, diarrhea, and nausea.
According to the statement, the State of Mexico resident passed away the same day after being admitted to the hospital in Mexico City. As per the WHO, this is the first laboratory-confirmed human case of influenza A(H5N2) virus infection that has been reported worldwide.
Following laboratory testing, Mexican health authorities notified the verified case to the UN health organization on May 23.
The WHO stated that although cases of H5N2 have been detected in poultry in Mexico, the source of the virus’s exposure was unknown.
“A 59-year-old man with a history of chronic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, and long-standing systemic arterial hypertension” was the deceased, according to a statement from Mexico’s health ministry.
“All samples from identified contacts (of the patient) have been negative,” the statement continued, adding that “there is no risk of contagion for the population.”
According to the statement, authorities have set up a permanent monitoring system to find any further cases in the local animals and are keeping an eye on farms close to the victim’s residence.
