10 New Cases of Human Infection with H7N9 Virus are Reported to WHO

On Jan. 22, 2014, the National Health and Family Planning Commission of China notified the World Health Organization (WHO) of 10 additional laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus.

Details of the cases are as follows:
 
- A 71-year-old man from Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province, who became ill on January 10. He was admitted to the hospital on January 16 and is in critical condition. The patient has a history of exposure to poultry.

- A 57-year-old man from Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province, who became ill on January 8. He was admitted to hospital on January 10 and is in critical condition. The patient has a history of exposure to poultry.

- A 70-year-old man from Shaoxing City, Zhejiang Province, who became ill on January 10. He was admitted to hospital on January 14, transferred to another hospital on January 17, and is in serious condition.

- A 49-year-old male from Hangzhou City of Zhejiang Province, who became ill on January 13. He was admitted to hospital on January 17, transferred to another hospital on January 19, and is in serious condition. The patient has a history of exposure to poultry.

- A 39-year-old woman from Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, who became ill on January 13. She was admitted to the hospital on January 19 and is in serious condition.

- A 59-year-old woman from Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, who became ill on January 13. She was admitted to the hospital on January 19 and is in critical condition. The patient has a history of exposure to live poultry markets.

- A 76-year-old man from Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, who became ill on January 9. He was admitted to the hospital on January 20 and is in critical condition. The patient has a history of exposure to live poultry markets.

- A 53-year-old man from Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province, who became ill on January 9. He was admitted to the hospital on January 12, transferred to another hospital on January 16, and is in critical condition. The patient has a history of exposure to poultry.

- A 71-year-old man from Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province, who became ill on Dec. 31, 2013. He was admitted to the hospital on the same day, transferred to another hospital on January 8, and is in critical condition.

- A 63-year-old woman from Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province, who became ill on January 9. He was admitted to hospital on January 13, transferred to another hospital on January 18, and is in critical condition. The patient has a history of exposure to poultry.
 
The source of infection is still under investigation. So far, there is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission.

The Chinese government continues to take the following measures: strengthen surveillance and situation analysis; reinforce case management and treatment; conduct risk communication with the public and release information; strengthen international collaboration and communication; and conduct scientific studies.
 
WHO does not advise special screening at points of entry with regard to this event, nor does it currently recommend any travel or trade restrictions.

Source: WHO