Senegal dismisses H9N2 bird flu threat after case detected in European traveler

Senegal's Ministry of Health has addressed concerns following the detection of an H9N2 avian influenza case in Italy in a traveler who had previously spent several months in Senegal. Dr. Mamadou Ndiaye, Director of Prevention at the Ministry of Health, confirmed that the information was received from the World Health Organization about ten days prior, prompting immediate investigations. The results of these inquiries indicate no current threat to Senegal. Dr. Ndiaye noted that the patient departed Senegal on March 13, and the absence of local outbreaks more than a month later suggests no transmission chain within the country. He emphasized that human-to-human transmission of the H9N2 virus is extremely rare and primarily affects birds, with no outbreaks reported in the livestock sector. The patient also stated having no contact with symptomatic individuals in Senegal. Despite these reassuring findings, authorities are maintaining active vigilance, particularly among poultry farmers, urging them to report any abnormal poultry mortality and to adhere to hygiene measures. Individuals experiencing flu-like symptoms are advised to seek medical attention. No cases have been detected in humans or animals in Senegal, and surveillance continues in collaboration with veterinary services and specialized laboratories, including the Pasteur Institute of Dakar.