Hyderabad/New Delhi, April 2025 — A two-year-old girl from Andhra Pradesh has died after contracting the H5N1 strain of bird flu, marking the first confirmed human infection and fatality from the virus in India since 2021. The case has raised fresh concerns about biosecurity, food safety, and the need for public awareness.
The child, a resident of Baliah Nagar in Palnadu district’s Narasaopet town, passed away on March 16 while being treated at AIIMS Mangalagiri. The National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, confirmed the infection on March 24, with additional validation from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
Likely Cause: Raw Chicken Consumption
Investigations revealed that the child had consumed a small quantity of raw chicken on February 26. Family members reported this as an occasional habit, which experts say greatly increases the risk of bird flu transmission. Symptoms began two days later, including high fever, breathing issues, and diarrhoea. She was transferred to AIIMS after her condition worsened.
Thankfully, all family members have tested negative, and no human-to-human transmission has been detected—reaffirming that H5N1 does not currently spread between people.
Containment Measures and Surveillance
Dr. T. Damodar Naidu, Director of the Animal Husbandry Department, confirmed that no bird flu outbreaks have been reported among poultry in Palnadu or nearby areas. Physical inspections of farms have revealed no signs of infection.
Rapid response teams have been deployed to monitor symptoms in the area. Fever surveys are ongoing, and no abnormal cases have been detected so far. Surveillance will continue for at least two more weeks.
The Union Ministry of Health has deployed a National Joint Outbreak Response Team to Andhra Pradesh for a detailed epidemiological investigation. Data from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) has shown no unusual spike in flu-like illness in the area.
Background on H5N1 and Global Trends
H5N1 is a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus first detected in birds in China in 1996. Human infections are rare but serious, with a mortality rate of approximately 50% in known cases. Globally, about 1,000 human infections have been recorded, typically from direct contact with infected birds.
India has reported only four human cases of avian flu in the last five years, including this recent fatality. The most recent previous case was in 2021, involving an 11-year-old boy from Gurugram who succumbed while undergoing treatment for leukemia.
Experts warn of H5N1’s evolving nature, especially with newer subtypes spreading into wild mammals and even dairy cattle in some countries. While no cat-to-human transmission has been documented, human-to-cat spread has been observed, emphasizing the virus’s adaptive potential.
Safety Guidelines for Farmers and the Public:
- Cook poultry and eggs thoroughly (above 70°C).
- Avoid eating raw or undercooked poultry products.
- Do not touch sick or dead birds without protective gear.
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling raw poultry.
- Report any unusual bird deaths to local authorities.
- Seek medical help immediately if flu-like symptoms develop after contact with birds.
Final Word for Poultry Farmers
While the infection appears to be isolated and under control, this incident is a timely reminder for poultry handlers and consumers to follow strict hygiene and cooking practices. Regular biosecurity measures, especially in live bird markets and farms, remain crucial.
Eggora urges all poultry stakeholders to stay vigilant, report abnormalities, and follow the latest advisories from health and animal husbandry departments.
Download Eggora Poultry App: https://www.eggora.com/download-app