Global Scientists Vigilant for Human Adaptation of Virus Following WHO Announcement
A man in Mexico has died from a strain of bird flu known as H5N2, marking the first human case of this virus, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The death, which occurred in April, has put scientists on high alert for any signs that the virus might be adapting to spread more efficiently among humans.
WHO’s Findings and Current Risk Assessment
The WHO stated on Wednesday that the source of the man’s infection remains unclear. “Although the source of exposure to the virus in this case is currently unknown, A(H5N2) viruses have been reported in poultry in Mexico,” the organization noted in a statement. Despite this alarming development, the WHO emphasized that the current risk to the general population in Mexico is low.
Details of the Case and Health Ministry’s Response
The 59-year-old man was hospitalized in Mexico City and succumbed to the illness on April 24 after experiencing symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, diarrhea, nausea, and general discomfort. Mexico’s health ministry reported that there has been no evidence of person-to-person transmission in this case, and all contacts of the deceased have tested negative for the virus. The man had several pre-existing health conditions.
Previous Outbreaks and Surveillance
In March, Mexico experienced an outbreak of A(H5N2) in a family unit in Michoacan state. Authorities assured that it posed no risk to distant commercial farms or human health. Following the April death, Mexican authorities confirmed the presence of the virus and reported the case to the WHO. Although there were three poultry outbreaks of H5N2 in nearby regions in March, no direct link to the human case has been established.
Broader Implications and Historical Context
This case in Mexico is distinct from the H5N1 bird flu outbreak in the United States, which has affected three dairy farm workers. Bird flu variants have previously caused fatalities globally, such as the H5N6 outbreak in China in 2021, which resulted in 18 deaths according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Expert Insights on Bird Flu Evolution
Andrew Pekosz, an influenza expert at Johns Hopkins University, highlighted the long-standing concern about H5 viruses’ ability to infect mammals. “Since 1997, H5 viruses have continuously shown a propensity to infect mammals more than any other avian influenza virus,” Pekosz explained. He emphasized the need for vigilant monitoring, as each spillover represents an opportunity for the virus to mutate and better infect humans.
Global Monitoring of Bird Flu Cases
Bird flu has been detected in various mammals, including seals, raccoons, bears, and cattle, primarily through contact with infected birds. In May, Australia reported its first human case of A(H5N1) infection, with no signs of transmission, but has seen more poultry cases of H7 bird flu in Victoria state.
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