The first human case of H9N2 avian influenza in Europe, confirmed in Italy

The Italian Ministry of Health has confirmed the first human case of avian influenza H9N2 in Europe, with the patient having pre-existing medical conditions at the time of hospitalization.

The infected person is in isolation and receiving treatment, and the authorities have identified their contacts according to standard surveillance procedures.

ECDC has assessed the risk to the EU population as very low, with no evidence of human-to-human transmission.

Since 1998 to date, 195 human cases of H9N2 have been reported worldwide, in 10 countries from Africa and Asia, without outbreaks or human-to-human transmission.

The infection is most commonly transmitted through direct contact with infected birds or contaminated environments. Between November 29, 2025, and February 27, 2026, ten cases of avian influenza in humans were reported, without fatalities.