Bird Flu Cases: H9N2 & H10N3 in China – February 2026 Update

February 11, 2026 Jennifer Chen Health
News Context
At a glance
  • Health officials in China have reported new cases of human infection with avian influenza viruses A(H9N2) and A(H10N3).
  • Two new human cases of avian influenza A(H9N2) have been identified.
  • Avian influenza A(H9N2) is known to circulate primarily in poultry.
Original source: mesvaccins.net

Health officials in China have reported new cases of human infection with avian influenza viruses A(H9N2) and A(H10N3). The reports, released by the Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection (CHP) in its weekly avian influenza update covering the period to , highlight ongoing surveillance for these viruses and the potential for sporadic human cases.

H9N2 Infections

Two new human cases of avian influenza A(H9N2) have been identified. One case involves a onset of symptoms in a 73-year-old woman from Guangdong Province. The other case is a 2-year-old child from Hunan Province, with symptoms beginning on . These cases bring China’s total number of H9N2 infections in humans for the year to 18, according to recent reports.

Avian influenza A(H9N2) is known to circulate primarily in poultry. Human infections are typically associated with exposure to infected birds or contaminated environments. While infections are often mild, more severe and even fatal cases have been documented. Children appear to be disproportionately affected, though the exact reasons for this are still under investigation.

H10N3 Case

In addition to the H9N2 cases, a single human infection with avian influenza A(H10N3) has been reported. This case involves a 34-year-old man from Guangdong Province, with symptoms appearing on . This is China’s first reported H10N3 case since , bringing the total number of confirmed human H10N3 infections in China to five.

The H10N3 virus, like H9N2, is primarily maintained in bird populations. Human cases of H10N3 have been relatively rare, but those reported to date have often been severe. The mode of transmission to humans remains under investigation, but contact with poultry is suspected.

Global Avian Influenza Landscape

The reports from China occur within a broader global context of ongoing avian influenza activity. As of , the Centre for Health Protection reports 93 globally reported human cases of avian influenza A(H5N6), with 92 occurring outside of China. This highlights the continued circulation of diverse avian influenza viruses worldwide.

Public Health Implications and Ongoing Surveillance

The detection of these cases underscores the importance of continued surveillance for avian influenza viruses in both animal and human populations. Public health agencies are actively monitoring the situation to detect any changes in the viruses that could increase their transmissibility to humans or the severity of illness.

While the risk of widespread human-to-human transmission remains low, sporadic cases like these serve as a reminder of the potential for avian influenza viruses to cross the species barrier. Maintaining robust surveillance systems, promoting biosecurity measures in poultry farming, and educating the public about the risks of exposure to infected birds are crucial steps in mitigating the threat of avian influenza.

Individuals who experience symptoms of respiratory illness, such as fever, cough, and sore throat, after potential exposure to poultry or other birds should seek medical attention promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to reduce the severity of illness and prevent further spread.

The Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection continues to provide regular updates on the avian influenza situation, and further information can be found on their website. It is important to stay informed about the latest developments and follow the guidance of public health officials.