A 30-year-old man, described as having underlying health conditions, has been diagnosed with a strain of avian influenza A(H9N2). He contracted the virus while in Africa and began experiencing symptoms upon his return to Italy. Health officials report that no close contacts have tested positive for the virus.
The first European case of avian influenza has been identified in a patient receiving care at San Gerardo Hospital in Monza, Italy. The patient, approximately 30 years old, has pre-existing medical conditions that make him particularly vulnerable. He arrived at Malpensa Airport on Thursday evening after traveling from Africa and began exhibiting symptoms, including a high fever and respiratory issues, that same night. Initial testing at the hospital identified an influenza virus, but further analysis was needed to determine the specific strain.
Investigations led by the Infectious Diseases unit, headed by Paolo Bonfanti, in collaboration with Professor Elena Pariani of the University of Milan, were launched to pinpoint the virus. Subsequent sequencing conducted by both the University of Milan and the San Matteo Hospital in Pavia confirmed the presence of the H9N2 virus. The diagnosis was further validated by the Italian National Institute of Health. Simultaneously, the Brianza health authority traced and tested all individuals who had come into contact with the patient since his arrival in Italy, with assistance from professionals at San Gerardo and Sacco Hospital; none of these contacts tested positive for the virus. The 30-year-old patient is currently isolated in Monza and receiving treatment for his existing health concerns.
According to the Ministry of Health, the virus has “low pathogenicity,” meaning the patient is not currently at risk of a life-threatening illness. Guido Bertolaso, the regional Welfare Assessor, emphasized, “Cases like these have already been recorded in other parts of the world, but What we have is the first instance in Europe. Fortunately, it occurred in Lombardy, where our epidemiological surveillance system allowed us to quickly identify this case, isolate the patient, determine the specific strain, and confirm it was avian influenza.” This entire process was completed within 72 hours. Bertolaso added that the identification of this influenza strain should not cause public concern, stating, “The population is not at risk. The system is under control, and any other cases arriving from other parts of the world would be immediately identified and managed.”
Health officials note that “human-to-human transmission is unlikely,” according to Fausto Baldanti, the scientific director of the Regional Center for Infectious Diseases and head of Microbiology and Virology at San Matteo Hospital in Pavia. The virus is typically spread through contact with infected poultry or contaminated environments. “The situation is under control — Baldanti continued — , but it’s always important to be vigilant about influenza.” Influenza viruses are among those most likely to “jump species” from animals to humans. “We must never jump to conclusions — he added — , which is why We find reference centers tasked with confirming diagnoses.”
