On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, the Secretaría de Salud of Coahuila confirmed the tragic death of a three-year-old girl from the municipality of Gómez Palacio, Durango, who was the first reported case of avian influenza A (H5N1) in Mexico. This incident marks a significant health concern, as it is the first human fatality linked to this particular strain of the virus in the country.
The young girl had been hospitalized at the Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad No. 71 of the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) in Torreón since April 4, 2025, after being transferred from Durango. Her condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to multiple organ failure, which ultimately caused her death at 01:35 hours on April 8, 2025.
According to Eliud Aguirre Vázquez, the Secretary of Health of Coahuila, the girl was initially treated with the antiviral medication oseltamivir upon her arrival at the hospital. Despite medical efforts, her health continued to decline due to complications arising from the H5N1 virus. Aguirre stated, "Today very early in the morning, we were confirmed of the unfortunate death of the three-year-old girl... The cause was multiple organ failure," as reported by local media.
The case was first confirmed on April 4, 2025, when the Instituto de Diagnóstico y Referencia Epidemiológicos (InDRE) validated the presence of the H5N1 virus in the child. This confirmation came just days after the federal health authorities had reported the first human infection of avian influenza in Mexico.
As part of the response to this alarming situation, the Secretaría de Salud has activated epidemiological surveillance protocols across the country. Authorities are closely monitoring potential zoonotic outbreaks, especially in rural areas where interactions with birds are common. Despite the seriousness of the case, health officials have reassured the public that the risk of human-to-human transmission remains low.
In a statement, the Secretaría de Salud noted that all 38 individuals who had close contact with the girl tested negative for the virus. Aguirre emphasized that, "No suspicious cases have been detected" among the family or healthcare workers who interacted with the girl, indicating a controlled situation thus far.
The H5N1 strain of avian influenza is known to primarily affect birds, but it can occasionally infect humans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classify it as a highly pathogenic virus that can lead to severe health complications and even death in rare cases. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that the overall risk to the general population remains low, and there is no sustained human transmission of the virus.
Experts have urged the public to maintain hygiene practices and report any suspicious cases of bird flu. Symptoms of avian influenza in humans can range from mild to severe, including fever, cough, sore throat, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing and altered consciousness.
This incident has raised awareness about the importance of monitoring avian influenza and other zoonotic diseases. Authorities continue to collaborate on prevention and control measures, emphasizing the necessity of vigilance in regions where the virus may be present.
The girl's case has sparked concern across Mexico, especially since no previous human deaths linked to H5N1 had been reported in the country. Health officials are committed to acting swiftly and transparently in the face of emerging health threats.
As the investigation into the source of the girl's infection continues, health authorities are focusing on educating the public about the risks associated with avian influenza and the importance of avoiding contact with sick or dead birds.
In summary, the death of this three-year-old girl due to avian influenza A (H5N1) serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by zoonotic diseases. While the immediate threat appears to be contained, the situation underscores the need for ongoing vigilance and public health preparedness.
