A child has been confirmed as the first human case of H5N1 virus in Australia. As per reports, the child had returned from India in March, and is believed that he contracted the flu virus there.
"This is the first human case of H5N1 avian influenza in Australia. The case occurred in a child, who acquired the infection in India and was unwell in March 2024. The avian influenza virus was detected through further testing of positive influenza samples that takes place to detect novel or concerning flu virus strains, as part of Victoria’s enhanced surveillance system. Contact tracing has not identified any further cases of avian influenza connected to this case," Victoria Health Department has said in an official statement.
