Initial Report Incorrect: WHO Finds Comorbidities, Not Bird Flu, Cause of Mexican Man’s Death
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in April, a man began experiencing symptoms of shortness of breath, diarrhea, nausea, and fever, despite having no contact with poultry or other animals.
Mexican officials have determined that a man previously thought to have died from a rare bird flu instead died from other comorbidities, as reported by WHO.
The WHO clarified that although the man had been diagnosed with H5N2, it was not the direct cause of his death. Following an epidemiological investigation, no further cases were reported, and tests on contacts of the man showed negative results for influenza viruses.
The WHO also noted that there have been cases of bird flu in poultry in Mexico, with outbreaks reported in various locations in the country.
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that since the bird flu outbreak in February 2022, millions of birds have been infected across commercial and backyard flocks, including cases in dairy cows as well.
Furthermore, the CDC reported cases of human bird flu infections linked to outbreaks in dairy cows, indicating potential cow-to-person transmission.
Overall, the WHO emphasized that avian influenza viruses can cause various respiratory and influenza-related symptoms in humans, urging continued vigilance in monitoring and controlling the spread of the virus.
