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Narasaraopet, Andhra Pradesh – India has reported its first fatal case of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1), commonly known as bird flu, since 2021. A two-year-old girl from Narasaraopet town in the Palnadu district of Andhra Pradesh succumbed to the virus while undergoing treatment at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Mangalagiri, according to official reports.
The child was admitted to AIIMS Mangalagiri on March 4, 2025, with symptoms of fever and respiratory distress. Initially diagnosed with leptospirosis and Influenza A, further testing at the National Institute of Virology, Pune, confirmed the presence of the H5N1 avian influenza strain. Despite receiving intensive care, the child’s condition deteriorated, and she tragically passed away on March 15.
Authorities suspect the child may have contracted the virus after consuming raw chicken. However, it remains unclear whether the consumption was accidental or intentional. T Damodar Naidu, director of animal husbandry for the state, stated that the child was brought to the hospital on February 28, 2-3 days after reportedly consuming chicken. “It is unclear whether the child ate raw chicken by accident or was fed it,” he said.
AIIMS Mangalagiri issued a statement emphasizing that the case appears to be an isolated incident and not part of a wider outbreak. “There appears to be no cause for public alarm at this time,” the hospital stated, while urging vigilance and adherence to preventive measures.
The girl’s parents, who consumed cooked meat, showed no symptoms of infection. Following the child’s death, intensive surveillance was conducted in poultry farms and backyard flocks across Guntur, Palnadu, and parts of Prakasam districts, with no traces of the virus found.
Naidu advised the public to consume only properly cooked chicken and eggs, recommending that poultry be cooked to at least 70 degrees Celsius and eggs be boiled.
According to the Andhra Pradesh health department, four human cases of avian influenza (H5N1 and H9N2) have been reported in India over the past five years, including cases in Maharashtra, Haryana, and West Bengal. The last confirmed human death from H5N1 in India occurred in 2021 in Haryana.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the H5N1 strain has infected over 500 animal species and has a mortality rate of approximately 50 percent in humans. Symptoms in humans include fever, headache, cough, sore throat, conjunctivitis, and difficulty breathing.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on the available reports and official statements at the time of publication. The situation is subject to change as further investigations are conducted. Readers are advised to follow official health guidelines and stay informed through reliable sources. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional for any health concerns.(
