WHO says ‘avoid contact’ after Europe’s first human H9N2 bird flu case | World | News
The World Health Organization (WHO) has shared details of the first human case of H9N2 bird flu reported in Europe, after close contacts were traced and preventive medication administered. The patient was a man who had been in Senegal for more than six months before traveling to Italy in mid-March. He went to A&E after falling ill with a fever and persistent cough.
Tests confirmed avian influenza A(H9N2) infection; the first human case of this species reported in Europe. The man was treated with tuberculosis drugs and antivirals. His condition was stable and improving as of April 9, WHO said. The man was not thought to have been directly exposed to animals, wildlife or rural environments, or to have been in contact with any other human cases showing possible bird flu symptoms.
All of his contacts in Italy tested negative and were given the antiviral drug Tamil as a precaution.
A report from the World Health Organization said: “Bird flu virus infections in humans can cause illness ranging from mild upper respiratory tract infection to more serious illnesses and can be fatal.
“Conjunctivitis, gastrointestinal symptoms, encephalitis, and encephalopathy have also been reported.”
Most human infections with H9N2 have been reported in China and are often linked to exposure to infected poultry or contaminated environments.
WHO urged people to “avoid contact” with potentially contaminated environments as much as possible.
The statement included the following: “This case does not change WHO’s current recommendations regarding public health measures and influenza surveillance.
“The public should avoid contact with high-risk environments such as live animal markets/farms or surfaces that may be contaminated with poultry feces.
“Respiratory protection is strongly recommended for those handling live or dead (including slaughter) poultry in occupational or backyard farming settings.
“Good hand hygiene, i.e. frequent washing of hands or use of alcohol-based hand sanitiser, is recommended. WHO does not recommend any specific additional precautions for travellers.”
