World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed the first-ever human death caused by the H5N2 strain of avian influenza.
- WHO said the 59-year-old resident of Mexico had died on April 24 after developing a fever, shortness of breath, diarrhea, nausea and general discomfort.
- This was the first laboratory-confirmed human case of infection with A(H5N2) subtype of bird flu reported globally and the first H5 virus infection in a person reported in Mexico.
- The individual had no prior exposure to poultry or other animals and the victim’s source of exposure to the virus is unknown.
- The H5N2 strain differs from the other avian influenza cases that have caused a multi-state outbreak in cattle.
- Bird flu, or avian flu, is a contagious infection that spreads among wild birds and can infect domestic poultry and other animal species.
- The virus does not often spread to humans but sporadic infections have been reported. There are several strains all belonging to influenza A-type viruses.
