The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed the first human death due to a subtype of avian influenza in Mexico.
The 59-year-old man from Mexico, who had no prior history of any exposure to animals or poultry, died on April 24. He had shortness of breath, fever, nausea, diarrhoea, and general malaise on April 17. Soon after, his condition worsened, and he was hospitalised at the National Institute of Respiratory Diseases where he passed away.
"This is the first laboratory-confirmed human case of infection with an influenza A(H5N2) virus reported globally and the first avian H5 virus infection in a person reported in Mexico," the WHO said.
The organisation further added that there were no further instances of this variant. Seventeen contacts, who were associated with the patient, were identified and monitored at the hospital. Only one person was reported to experience a runny nose from April 28-29.
What Is Avian Influenza?
Animal influenza viruses are normally observed in animals but can infect humans as well. This infection gets transferred due to direct contact of humans with the contacted animal or unhygienic environments.
"Depending on the original host, influenza A viruses can be classified as avian influenza, swine influenza, or other types of animal influenza viruses," the WHO said.
Symptoms Of Avian Influenza
This virus infection can cause mild to severe upper respiratory tract infections and can be fatal to humans. Conjunctivitis, encephalitis, gastrointestinal symptoms, and encephalopathy have also been reported by the WHO.
Public Health Measures For Avian Influenza
The WHO has recommended the following measures:
Strengthening routine and event surveillance on the human-animal interface with WHO collaborating centres and strategic partners.
Improvement of molecular diagnostic capacity for detection of zoonotic diseases through knowledge transfer, training and technical support with recent emphasis on avian influenza A(H5N1)
Strengthening national capacity for the prompt shipment of human and animal samples to WHO collaborating centres for additional characterisation and/or vaccine composition analysis.
Regular risk assessment for transmissibility and severity of zoonotic viruses.
Update of guidelines on influenza surveillance and response at the human-animal interface.
Revision of experiences in response and lessons learned from countries that experienced zoonotic influenza outbreaks.
Technical strengthening of risk communication capacities for events at the human-animal interface.
Clinical management training on zoonotic influenza treatment, infection prevention and control (IPC), and reorganisation of health services.
Animal carcass handling training, including IPC technical aspects.
Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO) published recommendations to strengthen intersectoral work in surveillance, early detection, and research at the human-animal interface.
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