Official government and health organization announcements

Australia Reports First Human H5N1 Bird Flu Case in 2.5-Year-Old Girl from India

Jun 8, 2024, 04:37 AM

Australia has reported its first confirmed human case of avian influenza A (H5N1) virus. The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the infection was detected in a 2.5-year-old girl who had traveled to Kolkata, India, where the virus is believed to have been contracted. The girl required intensive care but survived. This case marks a significant development as it is the first human infection with the H5N1 virus reported by Australia. In response to these outbreaks, the Philippines has imposed a temporary ban on the importation of domestic and wild birds from Australia, as per a memorandum order dated June 6, 2024.