Key facts
- Two new non-epidemiologically linked, laboratory-confirmed human cases of avian influenza A(H9N2) virus infection in China were reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Region in the Avian Influenza Weekly Update Number 1065, published on 9 October 2026, and by the Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection in the Avian Influenza Report (Volume 22, Number 42), published on 20 October 2026.
- One case is an adult from Henan Province with a history of tuberculosis with symptom onset on 17 September 2026. The other case is in a child from Guizhou Province with symptom onset on 20 September 2026.
- One individual was exposed to poultry and the other had possible indirect exposure to poultry.
- No additional cases have been identified among close contacts of the two individuals.
- The risk related to zoonotic avian influenza due to A(H9N2) virus for the general population in the EU/EEA is currently considered very low.
Overview
Summary
Two new laboratory-confirmed human cases of avian influenza A(H9N2) virus infection in China were reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Region in the Avian Influenza Weekly Update Number 1065, published on 9 October 2026, and by the Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection in the Avian Influenza Report (Volume 22, Number 42), published on 20 October 2026.
One case is an adult from Henan Province with a history of tuberculosis with symptom onset on 17 September 2026. At the time of reporting, the person was hospitalised in a stable condition. The second case is in a child from Guizhou Province with symptom onset on 20 September 2026. The child has subsequently recovered.
The first case had exposure to poultry with environmental samples positive for influenza A(H9). The second case had possible indirect exposure to poultry. All close contacts of both cases tested negative for influenza A.
Background
According to the WHO Avian Influenza Weekly Update Number 1065, since 2015, a total of 185 laboratory-confirmed human cases of avian influenza A(H9N2) virus infection, including two deaths (CFR: 1.1%) have been reported to WHO. Of these, 182 cases were reported from China.
ECDC assessment
Sporadic human infections with avian influenza A(H9N2) have been observed outside of the EU/EEA. One case has also been reported in the EU/EEA, with exposure history during travel outside of Europe. Direct contact with infected birds or contaminated environments is the most likely source of human infection with avian influenza viruses. In most cases, influenza A(H9N2) leads to mild clinical illness. To date, no clusters of human A(H9N2) infection have been reported. There is no evidence that the virus has acquired the ability for sustained transmission among humans. The risk related to zoonotic avian influenza (due to A(H9N2) viruses) for the general population in the EU/EEA is currently considered very low.
Actions
ECDC monitors avian influenza strains through its epidemic intelligence and disease network activities. Together with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the EU Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza, ECDC produces a quarterly report on the avian influenza situation. The most recent report was published in September 2026.