On Jan. 15, 2014, the National Health and Family Planning Commission of China notified the World Health Organization (WHO) of four additional laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus.
Details of the cases are as follows:
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- A 35-year-old man from Shanghai who became ill on Jan. 1 and was admitted to the hospital on Jan. 12. He is currently in critical condition. The patient has a history of exposure to poultry.
- A 41-year-old man from Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, who became ill on Jan. 5 and was admitted to the hospital on Jan. 9 and then transferred to another hospital on Jan. 12. He is currently in critical condition.
- A 48-year-old man from Foshan City, Guandong Province, who became ill on Jan. 2 and was admitted to the hospital on Jan. 12. He is currently in critical condition.
- A 55-year-old man from Dongguan City, Guandong Province, who became ill on Jan. 1 and was admitted to the hospital on Jan. 9. He is currently in critical condition. The patient has a history of exposure to poultry.
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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.
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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
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