Mexico and the WHO has reported the world’s first human case of H5N2 bird flu in a 59 year old who has now died

The WHO reported that the 59-year-old had died on April 24 after experiencing a fever, shortness of breath, diarrhea, nausea, and general discomfort. This was the first laboratory-confirmed human case of infection with the A(H5N2) subtype of bird flu globally and the first H5 virus infection in a person reported in Mexico.

The WHO noted that the victim had no history of exposure to poultry or other animals. Cases of the A(H5N2) subtype of avian influenza have been reported in poultry in Mexico. The individual had multiple underlying medical conditions and had been bedridden for three weeks for other reasons before the onset of acute symptoms.

This strain of bird flu is different from H5N1, which has affected dairy cows in 10 U.S. states. Three dairy workers have also tested positive for H5N1.