WHO confirms second human case of H9N2 bird flu in India: All about this strain – India Today

The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that a four-year-old child in West Bengal, India, has been infected with the H9N2 bird flu virus.

The child was admitted to a local hospital's pediatric intensive care unit in February, suffering from severe respiratory issues, high fever, and abdominal cramps. After receiving the diagnosis and treatment, the child was discharged three months later.

The WHO reported that the child had been exposed to poultry at home and in the surrounding area. No other family members or contacts have reported respiratory symptoms. Details on the child's vaccination status and antiviral treatment were not available at the time of reporting.

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This case marks the second instance of human infection with the H9N2 strain of bird flu in India, following the first reported case in 2019. While H9N2 typically causes mild illness, the WHO warned that sporadic human cases may continue to occur, given the virus's prevalence in poultry across various regions.

ALL ABOUT THE H9N2 BIRD FLU STRAIN

The H9N2 strain is a subtype of the avian influenza virus, commonly found in birds. This is the second case of H9N2 in India.

"While it primarily infects birds, it can occasionally infect humans, including children," said Dr Saibal Chakravorty, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Metro Hospital, Noida.

Direct contact with infectious animals or indirect interaction with contaminated environments are the two ways that the virus spreads.

Common symptoms of H9N2 are familiar to other viral infections. Individuals may experience fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and headache. Other symptoms could include muscle aches, fatigue, and conjunctivitis.

In some cases, severe symptoms like difficulty breathing and pneumonia can occur.

It can occasionally lead to more severe illness, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions.

"In comparison to other strains of avian influenza, such H5N1 and H7N9, H9N2 is typically less infectious and results in a milder illness in humans. It is well established that H5N1 and H7N9 can cause serious respiratory illnesses and increase an infected person's mortality rate," said Dr Chakravorty.

H9N2 is less hazardous to public health due to its comparatively lower pathogenicity, but regular observation is still necessary because of its global distribution and human infection potential.

TREATMENT FOR H9N2 BIRD FLU

Multiple techniques are used to manage and treat H9N2 avian influenza.

Antiviral medications like zanamivir (Relenza) and oseltamivir (Tamiflu) can be helpful, especially if used early in the course of the illness.

It's also critical to provide supportive care, which includes relaxation, adequate hydration, and treatment of fever and respiratory problems.

In severe circumstances, the patient may need to be admitted to the hospital for intensive care and respiratory support in order to obtain the essential medical attention to adequately manage the infection.

"Generally, H9N2 is less dangerous than other more virulent strains of avian influenza; but, because of its ability to disseminate and infect people, especially those who have close contact with birds, continuous surveillance and preventive measures are necessary," underscored Dr Chakravorty.

Published By:

Daphne Clarance

Published On:

Jun 12, 2024

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WHO confirms second human case of H9N2 bird flu in India: All about this strain - India Today