New Case of Human Infection with H7N9 Reported to WHO
The National Health and Family Planning Commission of China has notified the World Health Organization (WHO) of a new laboratory-confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus. This is the first new confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus since July 20, 2013.
The patient is a 51-year-old woman from Huizhou, Guangdong Province. She became ill on 27 July 2013, was admitted to a local hospital on July 28, 2013 and transferred to a hospital in Huizhou City on Aug. 3, 2013. She is currently in a critical condition.
Laboratory test conducted by Guangdong Provincial Centre for Disease Control on Aug. 9, 2013 was positive for avian influenza A(H7N9) virus infection, and was confirmed by the Beijing Municipal Center for Disease Control (CDC) on Aug. 10, 2013.
To date, WHO has been informed of a total of 135 laboratory-confirmed human cases with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus including 44 deaths. Currently, four cases are hospitalized and 87 have been discharged. There is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission.
The Chinese government continues to take strict monitoring, prevention and control measures, including: strengthening of epidemic surveillance and analysis; deployment of medical treatment; conducting public risk communication and information dissemination; strengthening international cooperation and exchanges; and is continuing to carry out scientific research.
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.
How Contaminated Is Your Stretcher? The Hidden Risks on Hospital Wheels
July 3rd 2025Despite routine disinfection, hospital surfaces, such as stretchers, remain reservoirs for harmful microbes, according to several recent studies. From high-touch areas to damaged mattresses and the effectiveness of antimicrobial coatings, researchers continue to uncover persistent risks in environmental hygiene, highlighting the critical need for innovative, continuous disinfection strategies in health care settings.
Beyond the Surface: Rethinking Environmental Hygiene Validation at Exchange25
June 30th 2025Environmental hygiene is about more than just shiny surfaces. At Exchange25, infection prevention experts urged the field to look deeper, rethink blame, and validate cleaning efforts across the entire care environment, not just EVS tasks.
A Controversial Reboot: New Vaccine Panel Faces Scrutiny, Support, and Sharp Divides
June 26th 2025As the newly appointed Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met for the first time under sweeping changes by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr, the national spotlight turned to the panel’s legitimacy, vaccine guidance, and whether science or ideology would steer public health policy in a polarized era.
