WHO Now Only Discloses Case Of Human Infection Of Avian H9N2 Virus That Was Diagnosed In April 2024 In India!

Influenza News: The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed a new case of human infection with the H9N2 bird flu virus in India. This disclosure that was made on the evening of June 11th 2024 and reports about the infection that was diagnosed in April 2024, marking the first reported case in India since 2019. The patient, a four-year-old child from West Bengal, was hospitalized in February and has since recovered. This case adds to the growing list of recent avian influenza infections worldwide, prompting health authorities to ramp up surveillance and preventive measures.


Human Infection Of Avian H9N2 Virus Diagnosed In April 2024 In India

It should be noted that Australia recently recorded a case of the highly pathogenic avian flu H5N1 virus infection involving a 2-and-a-half-year-old child who had been visiting the same region in March 2024 India before getting infected and returning to Victoria. The case was only disclosed to the public by the Australian authorities much later in May 2024.
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/breaking-case-of-child-in-australia-infected-with-h5n1-two-months-ago-after-trip-to-india-raise-concerns-that-governments-are-concealing-h5n1-cases
 
What is concerning is that the WHO and health authorities of various countries are only disclosing such infections to the global public much later despite the threat posed by such pathogens!
 
Mexico had a fatal human case involving the H5N2 Avian Flu virus that occurred in March 2024, but the WHO also only released the information much later.
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/mexico-had-a-h5n2-outbreak-in-march-with-one-death-in-april-but-who-only-tells-the-world-now
 
It is now widely believed that there could be thousands of such infections occurring in various geolocations across the world but the WHO and various governments are concealing the data and are only releasing bits of such cases when it suits their narratives or strategies!
 
The H9N2 Indian Patient's Journey: Diagnosis and Treatment
The young patient in India initially presented to a pediatrician with fever and abdominal pain on January 26, 2024. Despite initial treatment, the child’s condition worsened, developing seizures and severe respiratory distress, leading to admission to the pediatric intensive care unit (ICU) on February 1, 2024. The child was diagnosed with post-infectious bronchiolitis caused by viral pneumonia.

Laboratory tests conducted on February 2 revealed infections with influenza B and adenovirus. Despite these findings, the child’s condition did not improve, and further tests were warranted. On March 5, a nasopharyngeal swab sent to the Kolkata Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory tested positive for influenza A, but the specific subtype was initially unidentified. It wasn't until April 26 that the sample was definitively sub-typed as H9N2 by the National Influenza Centre at the National Institute of Virology in Pune.
 
It seems that because of the ongoing elections in India them, there was a delay to identify the pathogen behind the infection. We live in an advanced age where it takes the most only 48 hours to identify a flu strain if not less.
 
Following extensive treatment, the child was discharged from the hospital on May 1, 2024, still requiring oxygen support.
 
There is a very high possibility that there have also been many cases of Avian H5N1 human infections in India but such cases are either being concealed or simply deliberately not ascertained by proper and relevant test!
 
Context: Recent Global Cases of Bird Flu
This case in India comes amid a spate of recent bird flu cases globally. In the United States, three human cases of the H5N1 strain have been linked to dairy cows, while Australia has also confirmed its first H5N1 case. Additionally, Mexico reported its first human fatality from the H5N2 strain in April 2024. These events underscore the persistent threat posed by avian influenza viruses and the need for continued vigilance and international cooperation.
 
Understanding the H9N2 Virus
H9N2 is one of the most prevalent avian influenza viruses in poultry, known for causing mild to severe respiratory illness in birds. Human infections, though rare, typically occur through direct contact with infected poultry or contaminated environments. The virus generally results in mild illness in humans, but severe cases can occur, particularly in young children and individuals with preexisting health conditions.
 
The H9N2 virus is significant because it has the potential to reassort with other influenza viruses, creating new strains that could pose a greater threat to human health. This reassortment capability makes H9N2 a virus of concern for global health authorities.
 
India’s Claimed Responses At Present: Measures and Investigations
In response to the confirmed H9N2 case, Indian health authorities told Influenza News outlets and mainstream media that they have implemented a series of measures to prevent further spread. These include:
 
-Enhanced Surveillance: The surveillance of influenza-like illness (ILI) has been intensified in the affected district of West Bengal and neighboring areas. This involves monitoring both human and animal populations for signs of infection.
Joint Investigations: A multidisciplinary team comprising public health specialists, pediatricians, and veterinary officials has been constituted to investigate the source of the infection and assess potential further cases. This team is also looking into the health of local poultry and their environments.
 
-Public Awareness Campaigns: Efforts to educate the public on the risks of bird flu and the importance of avoiding contact with live poultry are being ramped up. These campaigns emphasize hygiene practices such as regular handwashing and avoiding high-risk environments like live animal markets.
 
-Global Perspective: WHO’s Role and International Collaboration
The WHO continues to support affected countries through technical advice, risk assessment updates, and assistance in updating contingency plans. The organization is also promoting the One Health approach, which encourages collaboration across various sectors - human health, animal health, and the environment - to prevent and control zoonotic diseases.
 
The WHO’s risk assessment for the H9N2 virus currently considers the public health risk to be low, but the situation is being closely monitored. The organization provides regular updates and technical guidance to help countries prepare for and respond to potential outbreaks.
 
Risk Assessment and Future Implications
While the H9N2 virus currently does not show sustained human-to-human transmission, continued surveillance is essential. The potential for the virus to mutate or reassort with other influenza viruses remains a concern. The WHO stresses the importance of monitoring for any changes in the virus’s behavior that could increase the risk of human-to-human transmission.
 
International travelers from affected regions may present with infections during their travels or after arrival in other countries. However, the risk of further community-level spread is considered low, as the virus has not acquired the ability to transmit easily among humans.
 
Recommendations for the Public
The WHO advises the public to avoid unprotected contact with live poultry and high-risk environments such as live animal markets. Maintaining good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing with soap and water, is crucial to reduce the risk of infection.
 
Infection prevention and control measures should be applied, including environmental cleaning and disinfection. Healthcare workers are advised to implement screening and triaging systems in hospitals, use appropriate personal protective equipment, and monitor for symptoms of influenza-like illness among themselves.
 
Conclusion
The confirmation of the H9N2 case in India highlights the ongoing threat of avian influenza viruses and the importance of global vigilance and cooperation. While the immediate risk to the general population remains low, the situation underscores the need for continued monitoring and preparedness to prevent potential outbreaks and protect public health. The efforts of Indian health authorities, supported by the WHO, demonstrate a robust response to this emerging public health challenge.
 
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