WHO Confirms First Human Death from H5N2 Bird Flu in 59-Year-Old in Mexico

Jun 5, 2024, 09:47 PM

The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed the first-ever human case of the H5N2 bird flu strain, resulting in the death of a 59-year-old man in Mexico. The patient, who had no known history of exposure to poultry or other animals, was hospitalized in Mexico City and died one week after developing symptoms such as fever and shortness of breath. The man had multiple comorbidities and had been ill for three weeks before hospitalization. The source of exposure to the virus remains unknown. This new strain of bird flu has potential for high public health impact, according to WHO. There is currently no evidence of person-to-person transmission.