First Recorded Case of Man Dying After Contracting H5N2 Bird Flu

A 59-year-old man in Mexico has tragically died after contracting H5N2 bird flu, marking the first known case of this strain affecting a human. The man, who had underlying health conditions that made him vulnerable, passed away in April, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

It is unclear how the man contracted the disease, but H5N2 has been found in poultry farms in Mexico. Experts believe he likely caught it from an infected animal, as surveillance is underway to test individuals who may have been exposed to the virus.

The man had been unwell and bedridden for several weeks before his death, experiencing symptoms such as fever and shortness of breath. While the risk to the public in Mexico is currently low and there is no evidence of person-to-person transmission, scientists are monitoring the virus for any mutations.

Bird flu, also known as avian flu, primarily affects farmed poultry but is increasingly becoming a concern among wild birds and mammals. Different strains of avian flu exist, with H5N2 being distinct from the strain that has affected dairy cows and farm workers in the US.

Experts warn that bird flu poses a significant pandemic risk, with the potential for the virus to mutate and spread among humans. Animal organizations have called for a shift away from animal farming to reduce the risk of such outbreaks. As the world grapples with the ongoing threat of bird flu, vigilance and preventive measures remain crucial in safeguarding public health.