New Delhi. Bird Flu has been a matter of concern all over the world for the past few days. Health experts have expressed concern about it ever since its case was reported in humans in America. Not only this, recently the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed the first death due to bird flu in Mexico. Meanwhile, a worrying news has come from India about this. In fact, on Tuesday, WHO confirmed a case of human infection with Avian Influenza A (H9N2) virus in India.

The case surfaced from West Bengal

India's International Health Regulations (IHR) National Focal Point (NFP) informed WHO on 22 May about a case of human infection with avian influenza A (H9N2) virus in a 4-year-old child living in the state of West Bengal . The child was previously diagnosed with hyperreactive airway disease. He was initially taken to a doctor on 26 January with complaints of fever and abdominal pain. Subsequently, on 2 February, the patient was tested positive for influenza B and adenovirus at the Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory at the local government hospital.

Second case of bird flu in India

After this, he was discharged from the hospital on 28 February, but on 3 March he was referred to another government hospital due to severe respiratory problems. After this, after several tests, the patient was found infected with the Influenza A (H9N2) virus. According to WHO, the patient had contact with nearby poultry. Let us tell you that this is the second human infection of H9N2 bird flu in India. Earlier, its first case was found in the year 2019.

How does animal influenza virus spread?

Animal influenza viruses usually circulate among animals, but can also infect humans. Infection in humans occurs primarily through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated environments. According to the International Health Regulations (IHR), a human infection caused by a new influenza A virus subtype is a case that is likely to have a serious impact on public health and should be reported to WHO.