Italy’s Ministry of Health has reported the first human case of infection with the H9N2 avian influenza virus in Europe. According to the official statement, the case was detected in the northern region of Lombardy.

It is noted that the infection occurred outside Europe “through direct contact with infected poultry or contaminated environments or materials.” “Infection with the low-pathogenic avian influenza A(H9N2) virus of animal origin has been identified in an immunocompromised individual with underlying health conditions. The patient is currently hospitalized. All necessary tests were promptly carried out, and the patient’s contacts have been traced as part of routine preventive and epidemiological measures. At present, no critical issues have been identified, and the situation is under control,” the statement said.

It is also noted that illness caused by this virus in humans is typically mild, and no cases of human-to-human transmission have been recorded to date.