WHO confirms first human death from bird flu H5N2

This is said to be the first human case of infection with an influenza A ,H5N2, virus globally and the first avian H5 virus reported in a person in Mexico.

WHO said the Mexican health authorities reported the confirmed case to the UN health body on 23 May after conducting laboratory tests.

In a statement released  WHO noted that the 59-year-old man, whose identity was not given, had been hospitalized in Mexico City.   Though he died on 24 April after developing a fever, shortness of breath, diarrhea, nausea and general discomfort, the global health body said the cause of his death was only revealed in May after the result of laboratory test conducted was released.

It added that the Mexico’s Ministry of Health said the man had underlying health conditions, including kidney disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

According to the UN Health body, the H5N2 cases were detected in a backyard poultry farm in Michoacan State in March, with other outbreaks identified in the State of Mexico.

According to the Mexican Ministry of Health, there is no risk of contagion to the general population, and all contacts of the patient have tested negative for the virus.

It noted that authorities are monitoring farms in the area and have set up a surveillance system to detect any further cases.