NEW DELHI: The World Health Organization confirmed a human case of bird flu infection in West Bengal.A four-year-old child was infected with bird flu. He was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (ICU) of a local hospital. 

The child was facing persistent severe respiratory issues, abdominal cramps and high fever in February and was discharged by the doctors after diagnosis and treatment three months later, confirmed the WHO. 

According to the agency, the child was exposed to infected poultry at home and in his surroundings. No one among his family members and those who came in contact with the boy reported symptoms of respiratory illness.

The WHO stated that they did not have any information regarding the antiviral treatment administered to the child as well as about his vaccination status. 

The agency stated that this is the second human infection of H9N2 bird flu reported in India. The first case was detected in 2019. 
According to the International Health Regulations (2005), "a human infection caused by a novel influenza A virus subtype is an event that has the potential for high public health impact and must be notified to the WHO." 

Humans are generally infected by avian influenza A(H9N2) virus after they get exposed to contaminated environments or infected poultry. Generally, such infections result in mild clinical illness.

Although the H9N2 virus generally causes mild illness, the United Nations agency said there can be sporadic human cases because the virus is one of the most prevalent avian influenza viruses that has spread in poultry in different regions.

The Indian health ministry did not immediately respond during late hours.
In Australia, supermarket chain Coles limited two cartons of eggs per day per customer in every state, except Western Australia.

According to a Bloomberg report, the measure is aimed at stopping the spread of the avian influenza virus.

On June 10, Agriculture Minister Murray Watt said that Australian eggs are safe to consume, and assured contaminated eggs are not entering the supply chain.
Last week, a man died in Mexico after he contracted the H5N2 bird flu, a strain which was not earlier confirmed in humans.