3-year-old girl dies from rare H5N1 bird flu in Mexico

In Mexico, the World Health Organization confirmed the first human case and fatality of H5N1 avian influenza, linked to clade 2.3.4.4b genotype D1.1. A 3-year-old girl from Durango succumbed to respiratory complications related to the infection on April 1. Notably, she had no underlying health issues, did not travel recently, and had not received the seasonal influenza vaccine. Her case was confirmed through RT-PCR testing by Mexico's National Institute of Epidemiological Diagnosis and Reference, which also identified the virus variant as avian influenza A(H5N1) genotype D1.1. The origin of her infection remains uncertain; however, there have been reports of H5N1 outbreaks in birds in the Durango region, and investigations are ongoing into possible exposure from backyard poultry. Despite this tragic incident, health officials reported that close contacts of the child tested negative for the virus, and as of now, no additional human cases have emerged. Authorities state that the risk to the general public remains low at this point. Mexico previously recorded a different strain of avian influenza, H5N2, in a June 2024 case, which resulted in the death of a 59-year-old man. The clade 2.3.4.4b strain has raised global health concerns due to its capacity to infect both birds and mammals, with at least 92 human cases reported worldwide since 2022. The strain has been previously linked to serious infections in North America, including fatalities in Louisiana and severe cases in Canada and Wyoming, highlighting the potential public health risks associated with this virus variant. In light of these developments, public health experts are advising vigilance and emphasizing the importance of monitoring interactions with poultry and wild birds, especially in regions where outbreaks have been reported. As the situation continues to unfold, authorities are dedicated to assessing the circumstances of this case further and ensuring the health and safety of the public amidst this concerning rise in avian influenza incidents globally.