Italy’s Ministry of Health recorded the country’s first human case of the bird flu virus H9N2 on March 25, 2026. This marks the first human case of this type of virus in Europe.
According to Italy’s Ministry of Health, the patient is a boy with a weakened health condition who arrived in the Lombardy region of Italy after returning from a trip to Africa. Following diagnosis, he has been placed in quarantine and is receiving treatment at a hospital in Monza. Fortunately, his condition is not critical.
What is H9N2?
H9N2 is a type of Influenza A virus. This group includes human seasonal flu viruses such as H1N1 and H3N2, as well as several viruses found in birds.
This virus falls under the category of low pathogenic avian influenza. It has a greater impact on poultry but generally causes mild illness in humans.
What is the risk?
Experts say that currently this virus poses very little risk to humans. For it to spread among humans, it would need to undergo structural changes.
As a precaution, Italian authorities are tracing and testing all individuals who came into contact with the patient. Initial reports suggest that the likelihood of the virus spreading is extremely low.
This is the first human case in Europe, while hundreds of human cases of H9N2 have previously been recorded in China, Asia, and various countries in Africa.
According to experts, the H5N1 virus is currently more concerning than H9N2, as it is spreading globally. This virus is more dangerous and is rapidly spreading among mammals.
Italian authorities stated that given the unpredictable behavior of bird flu viruses, it is essential to remain vigilant.
