One human infection with avian influenza A(H9N2) virus was reported from China recently, according to the World Health Organization.

Image/CIA
Image/CIA

The case was a 57-year-old female from Sichuan Province. Date of illness onset is unknown as the patient was hospitalized on 9 February 2016 with a history of recurrent productive cough with fatigue and shortness of breath during the past year. The patient has chronic underlying conditions. On 16 February 2016, a sample from this patient tested positive for A(H9N2) virus. The patient remains hospitalized and epidemiological investigations including contact monitoring are ongoing.

A total of 28 laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H9N2) viruses, none fatal, have been detected globally. In most human cases, the associated disease symptoms have been mild and there has been no evidence of human-to-human transmission. Influenza A(H9N2) viruses are enzootic in poultry populations in parts of Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

Most human cases are exposed to the A(H9N2) virus through contact with infected poultry or contaminated environments. Human infection tends to result in mild clinical illness. Since the virus continues to be detected in poultry populations, further human cases can be expected.

Source: WHO Influenza Summary and assessment

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