MEXICO CITY — Health authorities in Mexico confirmed on Friday that a three-year-old girl from the state of Durango is the country’s first detected human case of bird flu. The Type A H5N1 influenza, which the girl is suffering from, has made its way from animal populations and has affected some people in various regions, including the United States.
International health reports from the World Health Organization indicate that the U.S. has seen 70 cases in the past year. However, scientists and ongoing investigations imply that these figures might not fully capture the actual number of infections.
In Mexico, the affected child is currently receiving medical care in a Torreon hospital located in the state of Coahuila, as outlined in a statement by the health ministry. Initially, she was administered anti-flu medication to address her symptoms.
Authorities have not yet determined the source of the virus transmission to the child. Efforts are underway to test wild birds living near her residence, as part of the investigative process.
Despite this isolated incident, the health ministry maintains that the risk posed by the virus to the broader population remains low at this time.