China reports first bird flu death, three cases notified to WHO

Avian flu viruses do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human infections with avian flu viruses have occurred.

According to the WHO, three cases of human infection with the avian influenza A(H3N8) virus; all cases reported from China, have been notified.

"This is the third reported human infection with A(H3N8) from China. Two previous cases were reported in April and May 2022. One of the previous cases developed a critical illness, while the other had a mild illness," the WHO said.

According to WHO, both cases likely acquired infection from direct or indirect exposure to infected poultry.

The WHO has said that it was still unclear what the exact source of this infection is and how this virus is related to other avian influenza A(H3N8) viruses that are circulating in animals.

"To better understand the current risk to public health, more information is needed from both human and animal investigation," it said.

Taking the available information into account, the  WHO predicted that the bird flu virus cannot spread easily from person to person adding that its "risk of it spreading among humans at the national, regional, and international levels is considered to be low."

The global body, however, stressed the importance of global surveillance due to the constantly evolving nature of influenza viruses.

The WHO advised countries to increase public awareness of the importance of avoiding contact with high-risk environments such as live animal markets or farms that may be contaminated by poultry or bird feces.