Europe has confirmed its first human case of avian influenza (AI), but the risk of further spread is currently assessed as low.
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) on Tuesday, a human infection of H9N2 avian influenza was identified on May 25 in the Lombardy region of Italy. The patient, who had returned from travel outside Europe, has underlying health conditions and is currently receiving treatment in isolation. Local health authorities are conducting an epidemiological investigation to determine whether additional transmission has occurred.
Avian influenza has been identified as a leading candidate for the next pandemic after COVID-19. Recent reports of infections spreading to cattle, cats and dogs have raised concerns about mutations that could increase the likelihood of human transmission.
However, the risk of widespread infection is considered limited. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has assessed the infection risk for the general public as "very low," based on currently available information and the characteristics of the virus. The World Health Organization (WHO) also maintains its assessment of the human infection risk from avian influenza at "low."
No cases of sustained human-to-human transmission have been reported to date. Most existing human infections are known to have resulted from direct or indirect contact with infected poultry or other animals. H9N2 is characterized by relatively mild symptoms. Since 1998, 195 cases of infection have been reported worldwide, with only two deaths.
No human infection cases have been confirmed in South Korea so far. However, the KDCA is preparing for the possibility of imported cases through travelers, as sporadic infections continue to occur overseas.
"People should avoid contact with wild birds, poultry, animal carcasses and droppings," a KDCA official said. "High-risk groups such as farm workers should immediately report symptoms including fever, cough and muscle pain."