Avian Flu Strain Detected in Europe for the First Time
A recent traveller to Italy’s Lombardy region has been hospitalised with Influenza A(H9N2), a subtype of avian influenza, marking the first confirmed human case of this particular strain in Europe. The Italian Ministry of Health confirmed the diagnosis on Wednesday, March 25, initiating immediate public health protocols.
The patient, who had pre-existing medical conditions, is currently in isolation within a hospital setting and receiving appropriate medical treatment. Health authorities have conducted all necessary checks and identified individuals who came into contact with the infected person as part of standard preventative measures and ongoing surveillance efforts.
Understanding Influenza A(H9N2)
Influenza A(H9N2) is a strain of avian flu, commonly known as bird flu. While it primarily circulates among avian populations, sporadic human infections can occur. These human cases are typically linked to direct contact with infected birds or exposure to environments contaminated by the virus.
According to data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), as of February 27, 2026, a total of 195 human cases of A(H9N2) had been reported globally since 1998. These cases were reported across ten countries in Asia and Africa. Importantly, the ECDC has consistently noted that no clusters of human cases or instances of person-to-person transmission of this specific variant have ever been documented.
Global Context: Avian Flu in Humans
The ECDC and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) regularly monitor and report on avian influenza outbreaks. In their most recent joint monitoring report, published this month, they detailed ten human cases of avian flu between November 29, 2025, and February 27, 2026. None of these reported cases were fatal.
The geographical distribution of these cases highlights the ongoing circulation of avian flu strains in specific regions:
- Cambodia: One case of A(H5N1) was reported.
- China: This country recorded the majority of cases, with eight instances of A(H9N2) and one case of A(H10N3).
These figures underscore the importance of continued vigilance and surveillance, particularly in regions where avian flu is endemic in bird populations.
Risk Assessment for the EU/EEA Population
Based on the information provided by Italian public health authorities and the established epidemiological understanding of Influenza A(H9N2), the ECDC has assessed the current risk to the general population within the EU/EEA. They have concluded that the risk associated with this particular event is very low.
This assessment is informed by several factors:
- Limited Human-to-Human Transmission: The virus’s known tendency to cause sporadic human infections rather than sustained community transmission.
- Travel-Related Case: The current case appears to be linked to travel from outside Europe, suggesting it is not indicative of local transmission within the EU/EEA.
- Prevalence in Birds: While the virus circulates in birds, the pathways for significant human infection are generally well-understood and preventable.
Despite the low risk assessment, health authorities remain committed to robust surveillance systems. These systems are crucial for the early detection of any potential changes in the virus’s behaviour or transmission patterns, ensuring a swift and effective public health response if necessary. The incident serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of global health and the importance of international cooperation in monitoring and managing infectious diseases.
