On Wednesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) verified that a 59-year-old male had perished from bird flu. “On May 23, 2024, the Mexico IHR NFP notified PAHO/WHO of a confirmed case of avian influenza A(H5N2) virus infection in humans. The patient, a 59-year-old State of Mexico citizen, was hospitalized in Mexico City and did not have a history of contact with poultry or other animals.There were several underlying medical issues in the case. Before the beginning of severe symptoms, the case’s relatives stated that the patient had previously been bedridden for three weeks for various reasons, according to a news release from WHO.
Now that the avian flu virus has killed a human, a serious and dangerous question is raised: Is it possible for an infected person to infect another person?
“No evidence, so far”
The country’s health ministry stated on Wednesday that there hasn’t been any proof of person-to-person transmission of bird flu in the instance of a guy who passed away from the illness in Mexico. According to a statement from the ministry, the man had a history of health issues, and every individual who came into touch with him tested negative.
According to a news release from the WHO, 17 contacts of the dead were identified and kept under observation at the hospital; one of those contacts reported having a runny nose on April 28 and 29. The WHO reported that samples obtained from these hospital contacts between May 27 and 29 did not test positive for SARS-CoV 2 or influenza. Twelve more contacts—seven symptomatic and five asymptomatic—that were found to be in close proximity to the case’s place of residence were likewise determined to be flu-negative.
The health ministry of Mexico has verified that the avian flu that has been found poses no threat to the general public. Additionally, it states that the infection’s origins is unknown in this instance.
H5N2 bird flu
A high pathogenicity avian influenza A(H5N2) outbreak was discovered in March 2024 in a backyard chicken farm in Michoacán, a state that borders Mexico and is home to the case, according to the WHO.
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The avian influenza virus subtype H5N2 mostly affects birds, such as domestic poultry and wild ducks. Because it is a highly pathogenic strain, infected bird populations may experience severe illness and significant mortality rates. Although H5N2 is mostly dangerous for the poultry business and can result in large financial losses, there is little chance that it will spread to people. Surveillance and efficient biosecurity measures are critical to controlling H5N2 outbreaks.