WHO confirms first fatal human case of bird flu A(H5N2)
![The World Health Organisation says a 59-year-old resident of Mexico with avian flu died in April. (AP PHOTO)](https://images.thewest.com.au/publication/C-14925875/c450606e07e73b1b428b28b7e4ac64dc1c71318a-16x9-x0y0w1280h720.jpg?imwidth=810&impolicy=wan_v3)
The World Health Organisation says a death was caused by the first laboratory-confirmed human case of infection with a subtype of avian influenza.
The 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, the WHO said.
Why is WHO concerned about Avian Influenza or Bird Flu?Who is at risk?How can you protect yourself and which foods are safe to eat during an outbreak ?Dr Wenqing Zhang explains in Science in 5 pic.twitter.com/lBXJtNgaNv— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) May 13, 2024
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, the world health agency said.
Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.
Sign up for our emails