Key facts
- One new laboratory-confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H9N2) virus infection in Beijing, China was reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the Avian Influenza Weekly Update (Number 1059).
- The case involved a child with symptom onset on 15 August 2026, who subsequently recovered.
- The case had exposure to a live poultry market and no additional cases have been identified among close contacts.
- 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
One new laboratory-confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H9N2) virus infection in China was reported by the WHO Western Pacific Region in the Avian Influenza Weekly Update Number 1059, published on 28 August 2026.
The case involved a child from Beijing, China who developed symptoms on 15 August 2026 and subsequently recovered. The case had exposure to a live poultry market and no additional cases have been identified among close contacts of the case.
Background
Since 2015, a total of 176 laboratory-confirmed human cases of avian influenza A(H9N2) virus infection have been reported from China to WHO.
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 June 2026.