In a significant development, the World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed the first-ever fatal case of H5N2 bird flu subtype in Mexico. This marks the first laboratory-confirmed human infection of the H5N2 strain globally, and it is the first reported case of H5N2 in the country.

The patient, a 59-year-old individual with no known exposure to poultry or other animals, displayed symptoms including fever, nausea, diarrhea, shortness of breath, and general malaise on April 17. They were admitted to the National Institute of Respiratory Diseases in Mexico City on April 24 and unfortunately passed away on the same day. The WHO reported that the patient had underlying conditions and had been bedridden for three weeks prior to contracting bird flu.

Test results revealed that the patient was infected with the H5N2 subtype of bird flu, a strain that has never been documented in humans before. The WHO emphasized that no further cases have been identified so far during their investigation.

During the patient's hospitalization, 17 individuals had contact with them. Among them, one person reported a runny nose in late April. Samples taken from the contacts tested negative for both flu and COVID-19. Additionally, twelve more individuals who had contact with the patient near their residence were identified. Seven of them displayed symptoms, while five did not. Nasal and throat samples taken from them tested negative for COVID-19, and the results from the blood samples are still pending.

The global health agency has stated that while human infection with bird flu has the potential for a high public health impact, the current risk to the general population is low. In the United States, cases of H5N1 outbreak among birds and older dairy cows have been reported, but only three farmworkers have been affected, all of whom had mild symptoms and are either recovered or recovering. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have confirmed that there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission, further reducing the risk to the general public.

Dr. John Brownstein, an epidemiologist from Boston Children's Hospital and an ABC News contributor, highlighted the importance of continued surveillance of influenza viruses in both animals and humans. He noted that while H5N2 and H5N1 belong to the same family of influenza A viruses, H5N1 has been known to infect humans for years, whereas this is the first reported case of H5N2 in humans. Dr. Brownstein stressed that this case serves as a wake-up call, reminding us that influenza viruses can evolve.

Although the situation is being closely monitored, it is crucial for health officials to remain vigilant and focused on preventing the spread of avian influenza. Continued surveillance and prompt actions are essential in mitigating any potential threats to public health.