First person dies from bird flu in China, says WHO

A woman in Southeast died in China from H3N8 bird flu, the Guardian reports citing the World Health Organization(WHO).

This strain of bird flu has been circulating since 2002 and it mainly infects horses, dogs and seals. The first case of H3N8 was recorded in North America. WHO claims that the strain is not quickly spread between humans. 

“No close contacts of the case developed an infection or symptoms of illness at the time of reporting,” said the statement.

Even though no cases have been detected in people, two non-fatal cases were found in China in 2022. It is reported that humans can catch bird flu by direct or indirect contact with infected dead or live poultry.