The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported the first human death from bird flu after a concerning rise in cases. The victim was a 59-year-old resident of Mexico who passed away on April 24th. The person suffered from symptoms of avian influenza A (H5N2), including fever, shortness of breath, diarrhoea, nausea, and general discomfort.
This tragic case marks the first time the H5N2 strain has been confirmed in a human. Mexican health officials first informed the WHO on May 23rd. Interestingly, the victim had no known contact with poultry or other animals, which is usually a common way the virus spreads. However, the individual did have several pre-existing health conditions that may have worsened their situation.
Health Concerns and Precautions
Experts are increasingly worried about bird flu due to its potential severity. Some suggest it could be 100 times more dangerous than COVID-19. It’s important to note that the H5N2 strain responsible for this death is different from the bird flu strain currently affecting livestock in the United States. In the U.S., the H5N1 strain was found in dairy herds in March, infecting three workers. Fortunately, their illnesses were mild.
Symptoms of Bird Flu in Humans
Bird flu can cause a range of symptoms in humans, from mild to severe. Key symptoms include:
- Mild flu-like upper respiratory symptoms
- Eye redness (conjunctivitis)
- Fever (temperature of 100ºF [37.8ºC] or greater) or feeling feverish
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Seizures
This first confirmed death from bird flu in Mexico has raised global concerns. Health officials are closely monitoring the situation to understand more about this strain and its impact on humans. While the risk to the general public is currently low, it’s essential to stay informed and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of this potentially dangerous virus.