India’s human case of the bird flu has been confirmed by WHO

BENGALURU: A four-year-old child in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal has been diagnosed with bird flu, according to a report released by the World Health Organisation on Tuesday. The illness is believed to be caused by the H9N2 virus.

According to the WHO, the child was diagnosed and treated three months after being taken to the paediatric intensive care unit (ICU) of a nearby hospital for persistently severe respiratory problems, a high fever, and abdominal cramps in February.

The patient was exposed to poultry both at home and in his surroundings, and according to the FDA, none of his family members or other contacts had reported any respiratory issues.

The WHO further stated that at the time of reporting, information regarding the status of vaccinations and specifics of antiviral therapy were unavailable.

According to the agency, this is the second H9N2 bird flu infection in humans from India; the first occurred in 2019.

The H9N2 virus usually only causes mild sickness, but because it is one of the most common avian influenza viruses circulating in poultry across many countries, the UN agency warned that further occasional human cases may arise.

It was late in the evening and the Indian health ministry did not have an instant reaction. – REUTERS