Key facts
- On 15 May 2026, one new human case of avian influenza A(H9N2) virus infection was reported in China, with symptom onset in April 2026.
- The patient is a child from Sichuan Province.
- The patient had exposure to a live poultry market.
- No additional cases were detected among close contacts of the patient.
- Overall, 203 human cases of avian influenza A(H9N2), including two deaths (CFR 0.98%), have been reported globally since 1998 by 11 countries.
- The risk to human health in the EU/EEA is currently considered very low.
Overview
The WHO and the Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection reported a new human infection with avian influenza A(H9N2) in China on 15 May and 16 May, respectively. A girl under five years of age form Sichuan Province had onset of symptoms (fever) on 25 April 2026. The symptoms self resolved. Exposure to live-poultry market was reported prior to the onset of symptoms. There were no reports of cases among contacts of this case.
Background:
Overall, 203 human cases of avian influenza A(H9N2), including two deaths, have been reported since 1998 by 11 countries. Since 2015, China has reported 161 human cases of avian influenza A(H9N2) virus infection to WHO, including two deaths (case fatality rate (CFR): 1%).
ECDC assessment
Sporadic human infections with avian influenza A (H9N2) have been observed outside the EU/EEA. One case has also been reported in the EU/EEA with exposure history during travel outside 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) infections have been reported. There is no evidence that the virus has acquired the ability for sustained transmission among humans. The risk to human health 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 March 2026.