Last updated on June 12th, 2024 at 01:34 pm
The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed on June 11 that a four-year-old child in West Bengal has been infected with the H9N2 bird flu virus. This is the second documented human case of H9N2 in India, with the first occurring in 2019.
Case Overview
In February, the child was admitted to a local hospital’s pediatric ICU with severe respiratory problems, high fever, and abdominal cramps. Following diagnosis and treatment, the child was discharged three months later. The WHO noted that the child had exposure to poultry at home and nearby but reported no respiratory symptoms among family members or other contacts.
WHO Insights
Details on the child’s vaccination status and antiviral treatments were unavailable at the time of reporting. The WHO pointed out that while H9N2 infections generally result in mild illness, the virus remains widespread in poultry, posing an ongoing risk of sporadic human cases.
Response and Precautionary Measures
As of the report’s release, the Indian health ministry had not commented on the case.
The WHO emphasizes the need for heightened surveillance and preventive measures to manage the spread of avian influenza. This includes advising the public to avoid direct contact with poultry and to maintain strict hygiene practices.
Broader Context
This incident highlights the ongoing threat posed by avian influenza viruses and the necessity for continuous monitoring and preparedness to prevent potential outbreaks. The WHO continues to work with countries to ensure effective response strategies are in place to safeguard public health.