First European Human Case of Avian Flu Subtype H9N2 Confirmed in Italy
A significant development in public health has emerged from Lombardy, Italy, where the nation’s Ministry of Health confirmed on Wednesday, March 25, the first recorded human case of influenza A(H9N2) in Europe. The patient, who had recently travelled from outside the continent, is currently hospitalised and receiving treatment for the avian flu subtype.
The Italian Ministry of Health stated that all necessary precautionary measures and checks were implemented swiftly upon confirmation of the case. Contact tracing has also been completed as part of the standard protocols for prevention and surveillance. The individual diagnosed with H9N2 influenza has pre-existing medical conditions and is being kept in isolation within the hospital.
This instance marks a notable event, as H9N2 avian influenza has primarily been a concern in poultry populations across Asia and Africa. According to data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), as of February 27, 2026, there had been a cumulative total of 195 human cases of A(H9N2) reported globally since 1998, spanning ten countries across Asia and Africa. The ECDC has consistently noted that clusters of human infections with this particular strain, or evidence of sustained person-to-person transmission, have not been observed.
Understanding Avian Influenza Transmission
The primary pathway for human infection with avian influenza viruses, including H9N2, is typically through direct contact with infected birds or by coming into contact with environments contaminated by the virus. This can include farms, live bird markets, or areas where wild birds congregate.
The ECDC has previously stated that sporadic human cases of avian influenza are not an unexpected occurrence in regions where the virus is known to be circulating among bird populations. These cases are generally isolated and do not indicate a widespread threat to the human population.
Recent Global Avian Flu Activity
In their most recent monitoring report, released this month, the ECDC and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) highlighted the global avian flu landscape. Between November 29, 2025, and February 27, 2026, a total of ten human avian flu cases were reported worldwide, none of which were fatal. These cases were distributed as follows:
- Cambodia: One case of A(H5N1).
- China: Eight cases of A(H9N2) and one case of A(H10N3).
The ECDC’s assessment, based on information provided by Italian public health authorities and its understanding of the H9N2 virus’s epidemiological patterns, concludes that the current risk posed to the general population within the EU/EEA by this specific H9N2 event is considered very low. The focus remains on continued surveillance and adherence to public health guidelines.
