Five More Cases of Human Infection with H7N9 Virus are Reported to WHO

On Jan. 20, 2014, the National Health and Family Planning Commission of China notified the World Health Organization (WHO) of five additional laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus, including two deaths.

Details of the cases are as follows:
 
- A 31-year-old man from Shanghai City who became ill on Jan. 11. He visited a hospital on Jan. 15 and was admitted to another hospital on Jan. 17 and died on Jan. 18.

- A 77-year-old man from Shanghai City who became ill on Jan. 10. He visited the hospital on Jan. 14 and was transferred to another hospital on Jan. 17 and died on Jan. 18. The patient had a history of exposure to poultry.

- A 71-year-old woman from Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, who became ill on Jan. 12. She visited the hospital on Jan. 15 and transferred to another hospital on Jan. 18. She is currently in critical condition. The patient has a history of exposure to poultry.

- A 63-year-old man from Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province, who became ill on Jan. 12. He visited the hospital on Jan. 17 and transferred to another hospital on Jan. 18. He is currently in a serious condition. The patient has a history of exposure to poultry.

- A 55-year old man from Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, who became ill on Jan. 11. He visited the hospital on Jan. 17. He is currently in a 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