The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued an update on the H5N2 bird flu strain following the death of a man in Mexico. It is the first globally reported human case of infection with an influenza A(H5N2) virus and the first avian H5 virus infection in a person reported in the country.
"CDC is in communication with Mexico health authorities about the human case of H5N2," a CDC spokesperson told Newsweek. "Notably, the human infection reported by Mexico is a different variant of the avian influenza virus currently circulating in the United States."
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This distinction is important as it indicates that the H5N2 strain found in Mexico may have different characteristics and potential risks compared with the H5N1 strain in the U.S., where three human cases have been detected in recent months. These cases are linked to an outbreak of the H5N1 virus in dairy cows, and none have been fatal.
"The risk to members of the general public who do not have exposure to infected animals remains low," the CDC spokesperson said. "Our surveillance system is equipped to detect H5 activity in people in the United States, and we are monitoring the situation."
The World Health Organization (WHO) said the deceased individual in Mexico had close contact with poultry, which is the primary source of transmission of avian influenza viruses to humans. The Mexican health authorities are conducting investigations to determine the source of the infection and to monitor potential further spread.
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The CDC has emphasized that the genetic sequence of the virus detected in Mexico will be shared or deposited in the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data, or GISAID, a global science initiative that provides open access to genomic data regarding influenza viruses and the coronavirus responsible for COVID-19. This transparency is crucial for global health monitoring and response efforts.
In the U.S., public health authorities have indicated that the patients in the three detected cases of H5N1 avian influenza have either recovered or are in the process of recovery. The CDC's surveillance system continues to look for any new cases to ensure timely response and containment.
Bird flu, or avian influenza, primarily affects birds but can occasionally infect humans, particularly those who have close contact with infected birds or contaminated environments. Human infections with avian influenza viruses can range from mild to severe, and in some cases they can be fatal. The CDC and WHO stress the importance of preventive measures, including avoiding contact with sick or dead birds and maintaining good hygiene practices when handling poultry.
The recent fatality in Mexico has raised concerns about the potential for new variants of avian influenza viruses to emerge and spread. However, health officials say the risk to the general public remains low as long as appropriate measures are taken to prevent transmission from birds to humans.
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About the writer
Robyn White is a Newsweek Nature Reporter based in London, UK. Her focus is reporting on wildlife, science and the ... Read more
