First Human Case of Avian Influenza A(H5N2) Confirmed in Mexico

The World Health Organization reported the first laboratory-confirmed human case of Avian Influenza A(H5N2) leading to a fatality in a 59-year-old Mexican resident. The individual, with multiple underlying health conditions, displayed symptoms such as fever and shortness of breath but had no prior contact with poultry or animals.

The World Health Organization said on Wednesday a death was caused by the first laboratory-confirmed human case of infection with a subtype of avian influenza.

WHO said the 59-year-old resident of Mexico had died on April 24 after developing a fever, shortness of breath, diarrhoea, 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 victim had no history of exposure to poultry or other animals, WHO said. Cases of A(H5N2) subtype of avian influenza have been reported in poultry in Mexico. The person had multiple underlying medical conditions and had been bedridden for three weeks, for other reasons, prior to the onset of acute symptoms, WHO said.