Hong Kong officials report three additional human H9N2 avian influenza cases in February.
The cases, all non-fatal, include a three-year-old boy from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region with onset on February 2, 2024; a 11-year-old boy from Jiangxi Province with onset on February 11, 2024 and a three-year-old boy from Guangdong Province with onset on February 17, 2024.
This is the fourth H9N2 avian influenza case in a person in 2024.
China reports two additional human H9N2 avian influenza cases
Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a viral infection that primarily affects birds. Among the various subtypes, the H9N2 avian influenza virus has gained attention due to its ability to infect a wide range of bird species and occasional transmission to humans.
In poultry, H9N2 infections can range from asymptomatic to severe, depending on various factors such as the bird species, age, and the presence of other pathogens. Common symptoms in birds include respiratory distress, reduced egg production, and a drop in feed consumption. In humans, symptoms are similar to those of other influenza viruses and may include fever, cough, sore throat, and difficulty breathing.
China reports influenza co-infection in Zhejiang Province