Can H3N8 bird flu spread easily between people?

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H3N8 Bird Flu Does Not Appear to Spread Easily Between People

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has stated that the H3N8 strain of bird flu does not appear to spread easily between people. This assessment comes after the first known human death from this subtype was reported in a 56-year-old woman in Guangdong, China. While this marks the third documented human infection with H3N8, all occurring in China, the WHO considers the risk of human-to-human transmission to be low based on current information.
First Human Fatality from H3N8 Bird Flu

A 56-year-old woman in Guangdong province, China, has been identified as the first human fatality attributed to the H3N8 subtype of avian influenza. This case is the third known human infection with H3N8, with previous instances reported in China during the prior year. The patient had a history of exposure to live poultry and presented with multiple underlying health conditions, which can increase vulnerability to severe outcomes from infectious diseases.
Potential Zoonotic Transmission Source

Investigations suggest that a wet market visited by the infected woman before her illness may have been the source of transmission. Samples collected from this market tested positive for influenza A(H3), indicating a possible link to zoonotic disease spread. Wet markets, where live animals are sold and often slaughtered on-site, are recognized as environments where close contact between humans and animals can facilitate the spillover of novel pathogens.
Low Risk of Human-to-Human Spread

Although H3N8 is prevalent in avian populations and can infect other mammals, its occurrence in humans remains rare. The WHO's assessment of a low risk for human-to-human spread is supported by the fact that no other cases were identified among close contacts of the deceased woman. This suggests that, in its current form, the virus lacks the necessary adaptations for efficient transmission between individuals.
General Considerations for Avian Influenza Viruses

While the H3N8 strain currently poses a low risk for widespread human transmission, the broader category of avian influenza viruses warrants ongoing monitoring. These viruses possess the inherent capacity to evolve, and in rare instances, mutations can occur that enable more efficient transmission between people. Such evolutionary changes are a key reason why vigilance and surveillance of all circulating avian influenza strains are considered important by global health authorities.

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Can H3N8 bird flu spread easily between people?

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