"Man In Mexico Dies In First Known Human Case Of H5N2 Bird Flu Variant"

"The 59-year-old had no known exposure to poultry or other animals, the World Health Organization said. His symptoms included nausea, fever and shortness of breath."

"A 59-year-old male resident of Mexico died after being infected with a bird flu subtype never before confirmed to have spread to humans, the World Health Organization said Wednesday.

The man, who suffered from other underlying health conditions, had no known exposure to poultry or other animals before being formally diagnosed by a laboratory with the H5N2 subtype of avian flu. The case marks the first time a human has been confirmed to be infected with this subtype, and the first time an avian H5 virus was confirmed in a person in Mexico.

“Due to the constantly evolving nature of influenza viruses, WHO continues to stress the importance of global surveillance,” WHO said in a statement. “This case does not change the current WHO recommendations on public health measures and surveillance of influenza,” it added, rating current risks to the general population as “low.”"

Kelly Kasulis Cho reports for the Washington Post June 6, 2024.

SEE ALSO:

"Despite The Spread Of Bird Flu, Lawmakers In Some States Are Pushing To Legalize Raw Milk" (Los Angeles Times)

"Exclusive: Cows Infected With Bird Flu Have Died In Five US States" (Reuters)

"The Bird Flu Virus Adapted to Sea Mammals. It May Not Be Done Yet." (New York Times)

"H5N1 Bird Flu: Current Situation Summary" (CDC)

Source: Washington Post, 06/07/2024