WHO Reports Bird Flu Case in West Bengal Child

The World Health Organisation (WHO) announced on Tuesday that a case of human infection with bird flu caused by the H9N2 virus has been detected in a four-year-old child in West Bengal, India. This marks the second instance of H9N2 bird flu in the country, with the first reported in 2019.

The young patient was admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit (ICU) in February due to severe respiratory issues, high fever, and abdominal cramps. After receiving diagnosis and treatment, the child was discharged three months later, according to the WHO.

The WHO reported that the child had been exposed to poultry both at home and in the surrounding environment. Despite this, no respiratory illness symptoms were reported among the child’s family and other contacts. Information regarding the child’s vaccination status and antiviral treatment was not available at the time of the report.

While the H9N2 virus generally causes mild illness, the WHO emphasized that further sporadic human cases could occur. This virus is one of the most prevalent avian influenza viruses circulating in poultry across different regions, making vigilance crucial.

The case underscores the importance of monitoring bird flu infections and maintaining strict biosecurity measures, especially in areas with significant poultry exposure.