Avian Influenza A(H9N2) - Italy
- Countries / areas
- Italy
- First notice
- 2026-04-10
- Latest notice
- 2026-04-10
- Notices
- 1
Official summary (original text)
On 21 March 2026, the National International Health Regulations (IHR) Focal Point for Italy notified the World Health Organization (WHO) of the identification of a human case of avian influenza A(H9) in an adult male returning from Senegal. Next generation sequencing confirmed Influenza A(H9N2). According to epidemiological investigations, the patient had no known history of exposure to poultry or any person with similar symptoms prior to the onset of symptoms. Authorities in Italy have implemented a series of measures aimed at monitoring, preventing and controlling the situation. According to the IHR (2005), a human infection caused by a novel influenza A virus subtype is an event that has the potential for high public health impact and must be notified to the WHO. This is the first imported human case of avian Influenza A(H9N2) reported in the European Region. Based on currently available information, WHO assesses the current risk to the general population posed by A(H9N2) viruses as low but continues to monitor these viruses and the situation globally.
WHO risk assessment (original text)
Most reported human cases of A(H9N2) virus infection have been linked to exposure to infected poultry or contaminated environments, with the majority of cases experiencing mild clinical illness. Sporadic human cases following exposure to infected birds or contaminated environments can be expected since the virus remains enzootic in poultry populations. Avian influenza A(H9N2) viruses have been detected in poultry and environmental samples collected at live bird markets in Senegal and authorities in the country reported a human case of infection with an A(H9N2) virus in 2020.
Current epidemiological and virological evidence indicates that none of the characterized influenza A(H9N2) viruses thus far have acquired the ability for sustained transmission among humans. Thus, the likelihood of sustained human-to-human spread is low at this time. Infected individuals traveling internationally from affected areas may be identified in another country during or after arrival. However, if this were to occur, further community-level spread is considered unlikely. The risk assessment would be revisited if and when further epidemiological and virological information becomes available.
Notice history
- · 2026-DON597
Avian Influenza A(H9N2) - Italy
Official summary (original text)
On 21 March 2026, the National International Health Regulations (IHR) Focal Point for Italy notified the World Health Organization (WHO) of the identification of a human case of avian influenza A(H9) in an adult male returning from Senegal. Next generation sequencing confirmed Influenza A(H9N2). According to epidemiological investigations, the patient had no known history of exposure to poultry or any person with similar symptoms prior to the onset of symptoms. Authorities in Italy have implemented a series of measures aimed at monitoring, preventing and controlling the situation. According to the IHR (2005), a human infection caused by a novel influenza A virus subtype is an event that has the potential for high public health impact and must be notified to the WHO. This is the first imported human case of avian Influenza A(H9N2) reported in the European Region. Based on currently available information, WHO assesses the current risk to the general population posed by A(H9N2) viruses as low but continues to monitor these viruses and the situation globally.
Avian & other zoonotic influenza
Influenza viruses that normally circulate in birds or other animals (e.g. H5N1, H7N9, H9N2) occasionally infect humans. Sustained human-to-human spread has not been seen, but these viruses are closely monitored for pandemic potential.
