WHO Confirms First Human Death From Bird Flu H5N2 in Mexico

The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed the first human death from the bird flu strain H5N2 in Mexico. A 59-year-old man died in April in Mexico City after showing symptoms of fever, shortness of breath, and nausea. The source of the infection is unknown, but A(H5N2) viruses were previously found in Mexican poultry. Health officials found no evidence of human-to-human transmission. Mexico’s Ministry of Health denies the cause of death, however.

"This case marks the first time an influenza A(H5N2) virus has infected a human globally and the first avian H5 virus reported in a person in Mexico," stated the WHO.

In March, an outbreak of avian influenza A(H5N2) was reported in a poultry farm in Michoacan state, west Mexico, as reported by Contagion Live. The outbreak posed no risk to commercial farms or human health at that time. However, following the death of the individual, Mexican authorities confirmed the presence of the virus and alerted the WHO.

Jorge Alcocer, Mexico's Minister of Health, has denied WHO's report of the first human death from AH5N2 bird flu in the country, however, according to El Universal. He clarified in a morning conference on Thursday that the cause of death was unrelated. "We must take this information with caution," Alcocer advised. "The statement made by the World Health Organization is quite inaccurate, as it mentions a fatal case, which was not the case."

According to Alcocer, samples taken from the patient revealed the presence of the AH5N2 virus, associated with avian flu. However, he emphasized that this does not conclusively link the virus to the patient's death because the patient had chronic kidney disease, Type 2 diabetes, and hypertension.

Andrew Pekosz, Influenza Expert, Johns Hopkins University, emphasized the risk posed by H5 viruses, noting their propensity to infect mammals. He warned that each spillover presents an opportunity for the virus to accumulate mutations that enhance its ability to infect humans.

"We should be very vigilant about monitoring for these infections, because every spillover is an opportunity for that virus to try to accumulate those mutations that make it better at infecting humans," he said.

Bird flu viruses have historically affected various animal species, with sporadic transmission to humans, states the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Other bird flu strains, such as H5N1, have caused fatalities in humans worldwide. In China, an outbreak of H5N6 in 2021 resulted in 18 deaths. Similarly, cases have been identified in mammals like seals, raccoons, bears, and cattle, primarily through contact with infected birds, highlights The Guardian. 

Reuters reports that Australia reported its first human case of A(H5N1) infection in May, though no signs of transmission were detected. Australian officials have, however, found additional poultry cases of H7 bird flu on farms in Victoria state.

WHO reiterated that the current risk to the general population in Mexico remains low. Nonetheless, ongoing surveillance and monitoring are crucial to detect any changes in the virus that could increase its transmissibility. 

An article from MBN warns that the world could face another major pandemic unprepared. Diplomats urge for established protocols. "We only hope that in the next few months, we do not have another pandemic that finds us in a world which is still unprepared for a major crisis," says Muhammad Ali Pate, Health Minister, Nigeria.