Mexican health officials have confirmed the nation’s first human fatality from the H5N1 strain of avian influenza. The victim, a three-year-old girl from the northern state of Coahuila, passed away earlier this week due to complications from the virus, marking a sobering milestone in the country’s public health history.

Coahuila’s Health Minister, Eliud Aguirre, announced that the young girl succumbed to the infection in the early hours of the morning after suffering multiple organ failure. “We are deeply saddened by this loss,” Aguirre said in a press briefing. “Our teams are working diligently to investigate the case and prevent further spread.”

Authorities have launched a comprehensive response, including monitoring and testing all individuals who had close contact with the child. “So far, no additional infections have been detected,” Aguirre reassured, emphasizing that the situation remains under close surveillance.

This is the first documented human death caused by the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu in Mexico, raising concerns among health experts. While officials are urging the public to stay calm, they are also calling for heightened vigilance as containment measures are put into place. Investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the infection and to assess any potential risk to the broader population. (ILKHA)