• UGI USER
  • Jun 07, 2024
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“FIRST GLOBAL HUMAN FATALITY FROM H5N2 BIRD FLU REPORTED IN MEXICO”

Why in the news?

  • The World Health Organization reported the first globally confirmed human fatality from the H5N2 bird flu variant, occurring in Mexico with no direct animal exposure link.
  • The case raises concerns due to recent H5N2 outbreaks in Mexican poultry, although human infection risk remains low.
source:livescience

About World Health Organization (WHO):

  • Founded: April 7, 1948
  • Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
  • Objective: Promote global health, coordinate international health responses, and combat diseases
  • Structure: Comprises 194 member states
  • Key Programs: Immunization, disease outbreak control, health systems strengthening, health policy
  • Notable Achievements: Eradication of smallpox, leadership in COVID-19 response
About H5N2 Virus:

  • First Discovery: Ireland, 1983
  • H5N2 is a subtype of Avian Influenza A virus, categorized by hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N) surface proteins.
  • There are 18 H and 11 N subtypes, with H5N2 being one of them.
  • Primary Hosts: Birds
  • Spread Mechanism: Migratory birds significantly contribute to global transmission.
  • Impact: Affects both wild bird populations and the poultry industry
  • In humans, it can cause mild to severe respiratory infections, conjunctivitis, gastrointestinal symptoms, encephalitis, and encephalopathy.
  • Diagnosis involves molecular methods like Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR).
  • Treatment includes neuraminidase inhibitors like oseltamivir and zanamivir to reduce viral replication duration.