The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed a rare human case of H9N2 avian influenza in India. The case involved a four-year-old child from West Bengal, admitted to a local hospital in February with severe respiratory issues, high fever, and abdominal cramps. The child recovered after three months. This infection marks India’s first human bird flu case since 2019. The child had exposure to poultry, but no other family members or healthcare workers reported symptoms. H9N2 is among the most common avian influenza strains globally.

The WHO cautioned that more sporadic human cases could emerge due to the virus’s prevalence in poultry across various regions. Bird flu transmission to humans typically occurs through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated environments. Symptoms range from mild upper respiratory tract infections to severe diseases and can occasionally be fatal.

This announcement comes shortly after Mexico reported its first human fatality due to H5N2 bird flu and the United States confirmed a third human case of H5N1.

In Europe, the invasive Asian tiger mosquito is linked to a rise in dengue fever cases, as highlighted by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). This mosquito species, originally from warmer regions, has spread to 13 EU countries, facilitated by climate change creating favorable breeding conditions.

In 2023, Europe saw 130 locally acquired dengue cases, significantly higher than the ten-year average from 2010 to 2021. The ECDC warns that international travel could further boost dengue cases and advises using repellents, mosquito nets, and eliminating stagnant water to reduce mosquito breeding sites. Dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses, all spread by the tiger mosquito, present growing health threats in the region.

These developments underscore the need for ongoing vigilance and preventive measures to manage the risks associated with mosquito-borne and avian influenza viruses.