WHO issues 'avoid contact' warning after first human case of horror disease in Europe

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has shared details of the first human case of H9N2 bird flu reported in Europe after close contacts were traced and given preventative drugs. The patient was a man who had been in Senegal for more than six months before travelling to Italy in mid-March. He went to A&E after falling ill with a fever and persistent cough.

Tests confirmed infection with avian influenza A(H9N2) — the first human case of this strain reported in Europe. The man was treated with tuberculosis drugs and antivirals. His condition was stable and improving by April 9, the WHO said. The man was not thought to have had any direct exposure to animals, wildlife or rural environments, or contact with any other human cases of people with possible bird flu symptoms.

All of his contacts in Italy tested negative and were given the antiviral drug Tamil as a precaution.

A WHO report said: “Avian influenza virus infections in humans may cause diseases ranging from mild upper respiratory tract infection to more severe diseases and can be fatal.

“Conjunctivitis, gastrointestinal symptoms, encephalitis and encephalopathy have also been reported.”

Most human infections with H9N2 have been reported in China and are usually linked to exposure to infected poultry or contaminated environments.

The WHO urged people to continue to “avoid contact” with environments that may be contaminated, where possible.

It added: “This case does not change the current WHO recommendations on public health measures and surveillance of influenza.

“The public should avoid contact with high-risk environments such as live animal markets/farms or surfaces that might be contaminated by poultry faeces.

“Respiratory protection is highly recommended for those handling live or dead (including slaughtering) poultry in occupational or backyard-farming settings.

“Good hand hygiene, i.e. frequent washing of hands or the use of alcohol-based hand sanitiser is recommended. WHO does not recommend any specific additional measures for travellers.”