WHO Confirms Second Human Case of H9N2 Bird Flu in India After 5 Years
A 4-year-old child in West Bengal infected with the avian influenza virus, likely transmitted from poultry; raises concern over monitoring sporadic cases
After five years, the second case of H9N2 virus has been confirmed in India. A 4-year-old child is suffering from the bird flu virus. This has been confirmed by the World Health Organization (WHO). WHO says that a case of human infection with bird flu caused by H9N2 virus has been confirmed. A four-year-old child in West Bengal is a victim of bird flu. The child suffering from the virus was admitted to the ICU of a local hospital in West Bengal.
WHO says that the child suffering from the virus was hospitalized since February due to severe respiratory problems, high fever and stomach cramps and has been discharged after three months of treatment. The World Health Organization says that the child suffering from the virus was in contact with poultry located in the house and its surrounding areas. Symptoms of H9N2 virus have not been seen in any other member of the child's family.
WHO says that this is the second human infection of H9N2 bird flu in India. In 2019, the first case of bird flu infection in humans was reported in India. WHO says that there may be other sporadic cases of human infection of bird flu in India as this virus is one of the most prevalent avian influenza viruses circulating in poultry in various areas. However, no statement has come from the Health Ministry on this yet.
What is H9N2 virus?
H9N2 is a virus. This virus occurs in birds. This virus is usually found in chickens which is called bird flu. H9N2 is a subtype of influenza virus which first affects birds and then it is transmitted to humans. This virus affects the respiratory system. However, cases of infection of this virus in humans are very rare. This virus can be caused by coming in contact with chickens raised in poultry centers. The second case of this virus has been reported in India after five years, which has been confirmed by the World Health Organization. A four-year-old child suffering from this virus was suffering from stomach cramps and fever since January 26, after which he was admitted to a local hospital.