Casablanca, March 21st – Italy has announced the detection of its first case of human avian influenza A(H9N2), marking the first such importation of the virus into the WHO’s European Region. The patient, an adult male, had recently returned from Senegal and was reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) on a Friday. His illness has sparked a swift response from health authorities, who are tracing contacts and monitoring the situation closely.
The individual had been in Senegal for over six months prior to his arrival in Italy in mid — March. His symptoms of fever and a persistent cough led him to seek medical attention upon his arrival. An initial bronchoalveolar lavage sample, collected on March 16, yielded a positive result for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, along with the detection of an unsubtypeable influenza A virus. He was promptly isolated in a negative-pressure room and began treatment with antitubercular drugs and the antiviral oseltamivir.
Further testing at a regional reference laboratory on March 20 identified the A(H9) subtype, and subsequent next-generation sequencing confirmed it as influenza A(H9N2) on March 21. Italy’s National Influenza Center later found that the virus was similar to those previously detected in poultry in Senegal, indicating a probable avian source of infection. Despite his exposure to potentially infected sources, the patient reported no known contact with poultry, wildlife, rural settings, or individuals with similar symptoms before falling ill.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact source of exposure. Health authorities have traced contacts in both Senegal and Italy, with contacts in Senegal remaining asymptomatic. In Italy, all identified contacts tested negative for influenza and have been placed under active monitoring and quarantine in accordance with national guidelines.
They have also received oseltamivir as a preventive measure. As of April 9, the patient’s condition was described as stable and improving.
The WHO emphasizes the importance of reporting human infections with novel influenza A virus subtypes due to their potential public health impact. However, based on current evidence, the organization has assessed the risk posed by A(H9N2) viruses to the general population as low. The situation is being monitored globally, and health officials remain vigilant.
Source: moroccoworldnews
Original author: Oumaima Moho Amer
