WHO Awaits Data after Fatal First Human H5N2 Bird Flu Case

WHO Awaits Data after Fatal First Human H5N2 Bird Flu Case

Keywords: H5N2, Bird Flu, Human Infection, WHO, Public Health, Influenza

Geneva, Switzerland: The World Health Organization (WHO) is awaiting more data after the first known fatal human case of the H5N2 subtype of avian influenza was reported in Cambodia.

Case Details:

The victim was an 11-year-old girl who developed symptoms on February 16th.
She died on February 21st after testing positive for H5N2.
Contact tracing has identified 12 close contacts who are being monitored.

H5N2 Introduction:

H5N2 is a subtype of the H5 family of influenza viruses that primarily affects birds.
It has been circulating in poultry worldwide, causing outbreaks and occasional infections in humans.
Transmission from humans to humans is rare.

WHO Response:

The WHO is working closely with Cambodian health authorities to investigate the case.
The organization is requesting more information to assess the risk to public health.
It emphasizes that the current global risk of human infection with H5N2 is low.

Advisory to Healthcare Providers:

Healthcare providers are advised to be vigilant for any respiratory infections in people with exposure to poultry or birds.
Testing for influenza, including H5N2, should be considered in suspected cases.

Public Health Recommendations:

Avoid contact with sick or dead poultry.
Practice good hygiene, including hand washing and covering coughs and sneezes.
Poultry and poultry products should be cooked thoroughly.

Ongoing Monitoring:

The WHO is monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
It is important to note that the H5N2 case in Cambodia is an isolated event, and the overall risk to public health remains low.