First human case of H3N8 avian influenza

The first human infection with the H3N8 avian influenza virus has been detected in China. This was announced by the country’s health authority on Tuesday. But she described the risk of spreading among humans as low.

Infection with this variant was found in a four-year-old boy from central Henan province. He developed a fever and other symptoms on April 5.

Child had contact with chickens

The child had contact with chickens and crows. These would be raised in his home.

The H3N8 variant of bird flu has been found in horses, dogs, birds and seals. To date, there have been no cases of the H3N8 variant in humans.

Epidemic risk is low

According to the health authority, an initial assessment showed that the variant was not yet able to infect people. The risk of an epidemic is low. (eu)