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

The National Health and Family Planning Commission of China has notified the World Health Organization (WHO) of seven additional laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus.

On Jan. 4, 2014, WHO was notified of an 86-year-old man from Shanghai City became ill on Dec. 26, 2013 and was admitted to the hospital on Dec. 30, 2013. He is currently in critical condition. He has a history of exposure to live poultry.

On Jan. 5, 2014, WHO was notified of 34-year -ld woman from Shaoxing City, Zhejiang Province became ill on Dec. 29, 2013 and was admitted to the hospital on Jan. 2, 2014. She is currently in critical condition.

On Jan. 6, 2014, WHO was notified of two additional cases:
- A 47-year-old man from Foshan City in Guangdong Province became ill on Dec. 25, 2013 and was admitted to the hospital on Jan. 3, 2014. He is currently in critical condition. He has a history of exposure to a live poultry market.
- A 71-year-old farmer from Yangjiang City, Guangdong Province became ill on Jan. 1, 2014 and was admitted to the hospital on Jan. 4, 2014. He is currently in critical condition.
 
On Jan. 8, 2014, WHO was notified of three additional cases:
- A 54-year-old woman from Nanjing City in Jiangsu Province who became ill on 20 Dec. 20, 2014 and was admitted to the hospital on Dec. 27, 2014. She is currently in critical condition. She has a history of exposure to live poultry.
- A 31-year-old man from Shenzhen City in Guangdong Province who became ill on Dec. 30, 2014 and was admitted to the hospital on Jan. 3, 2014. He is currently in stable condition.
- A 51-year-old woman from Foshan City in Guangdong Province who became ill on Dec. 31, 2013 and was admitted to the hospital on Jan. 3, 2014. She is currently in critical condition. She has a history of exposure to live 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 surveillance and control 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