First human H5N1 bird flu case sparks concern in Mexico
The first case of H5N1 bird flu in a human has been reported in Mexico. A three-year-old girl from the state of Durango has been hospitalised in critical condition.
The first case of H5N1 bird flu in humans has been diagnosed in Mexico. The victim of the virus is a three-year-old girl from the northern state of Durango. According to the Ministry of Health, her condition is critical. The Associated Press, citing a statement from the ministry, shared this information.
The Mexican Ministry of Health emphasised that there is no evidence of easy transmission of the H5N1 virus from human to human. The World Health Organisation (WHO) assesses the public health risk associated with this virus as low.
The first cases of human infections began to be recorded mainly in 2024. The disease progresses with varying severity, from no symptoms to, in rare cases, death. So far, there have been no confirmed cases of the virus being transmitted between humans.
The H5N1 variant, which is particularly contagious, has been spreading among animals worldwide since 2020. This has led to outbreaks of bird flu, especially on poultry farms. The virus has also been detected in other animal species, such as bears, cats, dairy cows, dogs, dolphins, seals, alpacas, and tigers.
How can bird flu infections occur?
Infection with the H5N1 virus occurs through close contact with animals infected with it or their secretions (faeces, saliva, or nasal discharges). However, the virus can also be transmitted via contaminated surfaces, such as farm tools, clothing, or shoes.
For now, there are no documented cases of the virus being transmitted from human to human. Experts point out that although such a case has not been recorded so far, it cannot be ruled out in the future. The virus might mutate, allowing it to spread from human to human.
