First Human Case of Avian Flu A (H5N1) Detected in Mexico: 3-Year-Old Girl in Serious Condition
A chicken and a stylized virus symbol (with spikes) representing avian flu H5N1 outbreak, with red alert elements highlighting public health risks. Apr 5, 2025 Photo: Prensa Latina
April 5, 2025 Hour: 6:13 pm
Mexico’s Health Secretary has confirmed the country’s first human case of avian influenza A (H5N1) in a three-year-old girl from Gómez Palacio, Durango. The child is currently hospitalized in a third-level care unit in Torreón and reported to be in serious condition.
Related:
California Health Authorities Confirm H5N1 Avian Influenza in Raw Milk Sample
The virus was confirmed by the Institute for Epidemiological Diagnosis and Reference (InDRE) on April 1, prompting immediate notification to the World Health Organization (WHO) under International Health Regulations.
The WHO has assessed the public health risk, stating there is currently no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission. Despite this, Mexican health authorities urge the public to seek urgent medical attention if experiencing symptoms like fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any signs of illness after contact with sick birds or animals.
In response, health workers in Durango and Coahuila have been trained on zoonotic outbreak prevention and management protocols. Targeted case detection operations for viral respiratory symptoms are underway, and Mexico’s Health Secretary maintains a strategic reserve of 40,000 oseltamivir treatments for potential infections.
Additionally, personnel from Mexico’s Environment Ministry and the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas are conducting wildlife surveillance and biological sampling of wild birds near the girl’s residence to detect further cases in wildlife. Authorities emphasize that consuming fully cooked poultry or eggs remains safe for humans.
Autor: MLM
Fuente: VTV
