First imported human case of influenza A(H9N2) infection in the EU

The patient has co-existing medical conditions and is currently in hospital isolation, receiving medical treatment. Italian public health authorities performed contact tracing as a precaution to identify and control possible onward transmission and initiated several epidemiological and microbiological investigations.

Since 1998, and as of 27 February 2026, 195 human cases of A(H9N2) had been reported worldwide by 10 countries in Asia and Africa. Only two infections were fatal. No clusters of human influenza A(H9N2) infections, nor documented instances of person-to-person transmission, have ever been reported. Direct contact with infected birds or contaminated environments has been the most likely source of human infection for avian influenza viruses. Sporadic human cases of avian influenza are not unexpected in areas where the virus is circulating in birds.

Based on information shared by Italian public health authorities and knowledge of the virus epidemiology, ECDC currently assesses the risk for the general population in the EU/EEA of influenza A(H9N2) related to this event as very low. ECDC is in contact with authorities in Italy and is monitoring the situation closely and will reassess the risk as more information becomes available.

ECDC monitors the epidemiology of zoonotic influenza and the circulation of avian influenza strains through epidemic intelligence activities and sharing information among international partners. 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 in the EU/EEA. The most recent report was published in March 2026. ECDC has also published a protocol for the investigation and management of human infections in the EU/EEA as well as a pre-pandemic influenza scenario framework with suggested public health actions when human cases in the EU/EEA are detected.