WHO Confirms First Fatal Human Case of H5N2 Bird Flu

A 59-year-old individual passed away on April 24 due to a severe respiratory illness caused by an influenza A(H5N2) virus. This marks the first globally reported laboratory-confirmed human case of infection with this specific virus strain. The source of exposure is unknown, and the patient had no history of contact with poultry or other animals. However, they did have multiple underlying medical conditions. According to reports, the individual experienced symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, diarrhea, nausea, and general discomfort before their death. Mexico's government reported an outbreak of A(H5N2) in a family unit in Michoacan state in March, but it is unclear if this was related to the patient's case.