First fatal bird flu case recorded. WHO confirms
The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed the first fatal case of the A(H5N2) virus, a subtype of bird flu, in Mexico.
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In a written statement from the WHO, it was noted that Mexican health authorities reported to the WHO a fatal case confirmed to be infected with the A(H5N2) virus in a human.
While it was stated that the case was detected in a resident of a Mexican state, it was reported that this is the first laboratory-confirmed human case of A(H5N2) seen globally.
The statement also included that this is the first time an A(H5N2) virus infection has been seen in a person in Mexico.
"RISK TO THE GENERAL POPULATION IS LOW"
While it was noted that the source of "how the virus was contracted" in this case is currently unknown, it was recalled that the A(H5N2) virus has been reported in poultry in Mexico.
In the statement, which emphasized that human infection caused by the new A(H5N2) virus strain has a high potential impact on public health according to the International Health Regulations, it was stated: "Based on current information, the WHO assesses the current risk of this virus to the general population as 'low'."