Mexico Had A H5N2 Outbreak In March With One Death In April But WHO Only Tells The World Now!
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jun 06, 2024 5 months, 2 weeks, 4 days, 9 hours, 18 minutes ago
H5N2 News: A Sudden Revelation
In a recent development, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the first human death from the H5N2 strain of bird flu in Mexico. This news, released on June 5th, 2024, has shocked many, considering the outbreak occurred in March and the individual succumbed to the virus in April. The delay in reporting this case has raised concerns and questions about the transparency and efficiency of health communications in times of crisis.
Mexico Had A H5N2 Outbreak In March With One Death In April
It is also interesting to note that none of the stupid mainstream media in the West that covered this
H5N2 News outbreak after WHO’s released their report the last 36 hours questioned as to why the world is only knowing about this H5N2 outbreak that started since March 2024!
The Outbreak and Its Aftermath
The outbreak of H5N2 bird flu was first detected in a poultry farm in Michoacan state, Mexico, in March 2024. Despite the outbreak being reported promptly to the local authorities, it was not considered a threat to human health or distant commercial farms at that time. However, the situation took a drastic turn when a 59-year-old resident of the State of Mexico contracted the virus and subsequently died.
The Victim's Health and Hospitalization
The deceased, who had multiple underlying health conditions, including chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes, had been bedridden for three weeks prior to developing symptoms of bird flu. In mid-April, the patient experienced fever, shortness of breath, diarrhea, nausea, and general discomfort. Despite receiving medical attention and being hospitalized at the National Institute of Respiratory Diseases in Mexico City, the individual passed away on April 24th.
Unknown Source of Infection
One of the most alarming aspects of this case is the unknown source of the infection. The victim had no known exposure to poultry or other animals, which makes the origin of the virus particularly concerning.
WHO's statement highlighted that although H5N2 viruses have been reported in poultry in Mexico, the specific route of transmission in this case remains a mystery.
https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2024-DON520
This raises significant questions about how the virus could have infected a human without direct contact with infected birds.
The Global Context: H5N2 and H5N1
While Mexico grapples with this H5N2 case, it's worth noting the broader context of bird flu globally. The H5N1 strain of bird flu has been causing outbreaks in the United States, particularly affecting dairy farm workers. Since March 2024, three cases of H5N1 human infection have been reported in the U.S., with symptoms ranging from conjunctiviti
s to respiratory issues. Although the H5N2 strain in Mexico and the H5N1 strain in the U.S. are different, both highlight the persistent threat of avian influenza viruses crossing species barriers and infecting humans.
Monitoring and Vigilance
Scientists have long warned about the potential for bird flu viruses to mutate and spread more easily among humans. Andrew Pekosz, an influenza expert at Johns Hopkins University, emphasized the need for vigilance, stating that H5 viruses have shown a propensity to infect mammals more than any other avian influenza virus since 1997. Every spillover event, he noted, is an opportunity for the virus to adapt and potentially become more transmissible among humans.
The Response and Future Precautions
Following the death in Mexico, it was claimed that the Health Ministry and WHO took immediate steps to monitor and contain the situation. Farms near the victim's home were monitored, and individuals who had been in contact with the deceased were tested for bird flu, with all results returning negative. Despite these measures, the case underscores the importance of robust surveillance systems and rapid response mechanisms to detect and contain new infections promptly.
Global Implications
The first human case of H5N2 bird flu in Mexico is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by zoonotic diseases - those that can jump from animals to humans. Bird flu viruses typically circulate in birds but can occasionally infect humans through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated environments. These infections can lead to a range of symptoms from mild respiratory issues to severe, potentially fatal illnesses.
Concluding Thoughts
The revelation of this H5N2 case months after the initial outbreak highlights a critical need for timely and transparent communication from health authorities. As the world continues to battle various strains of bird flu and other zoonotic diseases, global health agencies must prioritize swift reporting and effective containment strategies to mitigate the risks posed by these viruses. The case in Mexico serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of vigilance, preparedness, and international cooperation in managing public health threats.
For the latest
H5N2 News, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
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