WHO Confirms High-Risk Virus Infection and Issues Global Health Alert

WHO confirms avian flu case

Patient hospitalized in Italy

Low risk but under monitoring

A case of avian influenza has raised international health concerns after the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed infection in a patient with a strain considered high-risk, highlighting the seriousness of the avian influenza H9N2 case.

Although the risk to the general population is low, WHO warns that this type of infection can have a significant public health impact if it spreads.

WHO confirms avian influenza A(H9N2) infection

According to Heraldo de México, the World Health Organization reported a human case of avian influenza A(H9) detected in Italy.

The patient is an adult man who returned from Senegal after spending six months in the country.

The case was reported on March 21, 2026, by the National Focal Point for the International Health Regulations in Italy.

Medical analysis confirmed that the patient was infected with the A(H9N2) strain.

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According to WHO, the patient had no known history of contact with poultry.

No exposure to individuals with similar symptoms prior to the onset of illness was identified.

Patient hospitalized and low risk to the public

WHO Confirms Avian Influenza H9N2 Case – PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

The man presented symptoms such as high fever and persistent cough.

Due to the severity of his condition, he was urgently hospitalized.

Health authorities are working to prevent the virus from spreading to others.

WHO stated that the risk of transmission to the general population is low.

However, it warned that any human infection with a new avian influenza virus can have a high impact.

The organization noted that this is the first imported human case of avian influenza A(H9N2) reported in the European Region.

It also confirmed that global monitoring of the virus continues as part of the avian influenza H9N2 case response.

Recommendations and preventive measures

Italian health authorities have implemented measures to monitor and control the situation.

The H9N2 case was reported in accordance with the International Health Regulations (2005).

WHO did not issue specific travel restrictions.

However, it recommended avoiding contact with high-risk environments.

These include live animal markets and farms.

It also warned about surfaces that may be contaminated with bird droppings.

For those working with birds, the use of respiratory protection was recommended.

The organization also emphasized the importance of proper hand hygiene.

WHO reiterated that such events must be reported due to their potential impact.

Authorities continue to monitor the case while assessing additional risks.

The confirmation of the infection has led to strengthened preventive measures in the healthcare environment, keeping the avian influenza H9N2 case under close international observation.