H9N2 in 2023: The Unfolding of an Unseen Threat

The 2023 surge of H9N2 avian influenza A virus infections reignited concerns about its zoonotic potential and public health risks.This in-depth review delves into the multifaceted history of H9N2, tracing past outbreaks and trends in China, its origin, transmission patterns, and clinical presentation.We then navigate the intricate world of its viral makeup, exploring phylogeography and reassortment dynamics.Moving toward diagnosis and treatment, we dissect both traditional and emerging methods for poultry, including vaccines, antivirals, and supportive care.For human cases, we examine vaccination options, supportive measures, and proactive strategies.Prevention and control take center stage, with dedicated sections on poultry management, human-animal interface approaches, essential public health measures, and the crucial role of international collaboration.Unveiling the challenges and future directions, we confront the need for effective communication and collaboration, strengthening surveillance and response systems, and the need for continued research.This comprehensive chronicle serves as a call to action, urging sustained vigilance, proactive measures, and collaborative efforts to mitigate the threat of H9N2 and safeguard both animal and human health.