The human AI case in Chile may have been caused by environmental exposure
According to an update from the World Health Organization (WHO), an epidemiological investigation into the H5 avian influenza infection of a Chilean man has revealed that environmental exposure is the most probable source of infection. This man, who comes from the Antofagasta region in northern Chile, is the second person in South America to have contracted this type of infection.
The man did not have any underlying health issues, and his symptoms began on March 13. He was hospitalized on March 22 after his condition deteriorated, and he was admitted to the intensive care unit. A bronchoalveolar swab test was positive for A/H5 virus.
The WHO revealed that highly pathogenic avian influenza was discovered in wild birds (pelicans and penguins) and sea mammals (sea lions) in the Antofagasta region between December '22 and February '23. They suggested that the man may have been exposed to the virus in areas near his home where sick birds or mammals were found.
