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According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a 59-year-old man in Mexico City has died after contracting the A(H5N2) strain of bird flu.

The man, who passed away in April, experienced a range of symptoms, including fever, shortness of breath, diarrhea, and nausea. Before these symptoms appeared, he had been bedridden for three weeks due to chronic health conditions, including kidney failure, diabetes, and high blood pressure. He sought medical help on April 24 but succumbed to the illness the same day. Subsequent laboratory tests confirmed the presence of the A(H5N2) virus.

World Health Organisation Headquarters, Geneva, North And West Sides 2007

The WHO highlighted that this case is the first globally confirmed human infection with the A(H5N2) virus. Andrew Pekosz, an influenza expert at Johns Hopkins University, emphasized that the man’s pre-existing health issues made him more vulnerable to severe influenza. However, the exact source of his infection remains unclear. While A(H5N2) has been detected in poultry in Mexico, including in Michoacan state near the man’s residence, no direct link has been established.

Despite testing individuals who had contact with the deceased, no further human cases have been found. The WHO and Mexico’s Ministry of Health have both stated that there is no immediate risk to the general population. Mexico has implemented a continuous monitoring system to detect any potential future cases.

In a broader context, different strains of bird flu, such as A(H5N1), have been spreading in animal populations, with some human cases reported. Historical data shows that avian influenza viruses, particularly H5 strains, have the potential to infect mammals, underscoring the importance of vigilant monitoring and response to prevent further human infections.

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