The federal health authority in Mexico has confirmed the country’s first case of H5N1 avian influenza, affecting a three-year-old girl in Durango state. This has triggered nationwide epidemiological alerts.
The Influenza AH5N1 diagnosis was confirmed by the Institute for Diagnostic and Reference Epidemiological Reference (InDRE) on April 1, following initial treatment with oseltamivir. The child is currently hospitalized in a third-level facility in Torreón, with her condition reported as critical.
Immediate Control Measures
In response to this diagnosis, the federal health department has immediately initiated control measures including notification to the World Health Organization (WHO) and monitoring of the contamination site. Local authorities are also conducting healthcare professional training in Durango and Coahuila regarding national guidelines for preparation, prevention, and response to avian influenza outbreaks.
The parents of the infected child have tested negative for the virus.
Safety Recommendations
According to the federal health authority, the WHO considers this virus to pose low risk to the population. Avian influenza can transmit from birds or other animals to humans, but there is currently no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission.
- Eat well-cooked chicken and eggs
- Wash hands frequently
- Avoid using the same utensils for raw and cooked foods
