1st fatal human case of bird flu subtype in Mexico confirmed by WHO

On Wednesday, the World Health Organisation said that the first laboratory-confirmed human case of avian influenza subtype infection resulted in a death.

The WHO reported that the 59-year-old Mexican citizen passed away on April 24 following the onset of a fever, dyspnea, diarrhoea, nausea, and overall discomfort.

This was the first documented case of A(H5N2) subtype bird flu infecting a human worldwide, as well as the first case of H5 virus infection in a human in Mexico, both confirmed by laboratories. According to WHO, the victim had no prior history of contact with chickens or other animals.

Mexico has reported cases of the bird flu’s A(H5N2) strain in poultry. The patient had several underlying medical issues and had previously spent three weeks in bed for different reasons.