WHO Informed of New Case of Human Infection With H7N9 Virus
The National Health and Family Planning Commission in China has notified the World Health Organization (WHO) of a new laboratory-confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus.
The patient is a 67-year-old man from Zhejiang Province. He is a farmer, and has had contact with live poultry. He became ill on Oct. 16, 2013, was admitted to a local township hospital on Oct. 18, 2013, and was transferred to another hospital on Oct. 21, 2013 as his condition deteriorated. He is currently in a critical condition.
To date, WHO has been informed of a total of 137 laboratory-confirmed human cases with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus infection including 45 deaths. Currently, four patients are hospitalized and 88 have been discharged. So far, there is no evidence of sustainable human-to-human transmission.
The Chinese government has taken the following surveillance and control measures:
- strengthening of epidemic surveillance and analysis
- deployment of medical treatment
- conducting public risk communication and information dissemination
- strengthening international cooperation and exchanges
- 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.
Source: WHO
I Was There: An Infection Preventionist on the COVID-19 Pandemic
April 30th 2025Deep feelings run strong about the COVID-19 pandemic, and some beautiful art has come out of those emotions. Infection Control Today is proud to share this poem by Carmen Duke, MPH, CIC, in response to a recent article by Heather Stoltzfus, MPH, RN, CIC.
From the Derby to the Decontam Room: Leadership Lessons for Sterile Processing
April 27th 2025Elizabeth (Betty) Casey, MSN, RN, CNOR, CRCST, CHL, is the SVP of Operations and Chief Nursing Officer at Surgical Solutions in Overland, Kansas. This SPD leader reframes preparation, unpredictability, and teamwork by comparing surgical services to the Kentucky Derby to reenergize sterile processing professionals and inspire systemic change.
Show, Tell, Teach: Elevating EVS Training Through Cognitive Science and Performance Coaching
April 25th 2025Training EVS workers for hygiene excellence demands more than manuals—it requires active engagement, motor skills coaching, and teach-back techniques to reduce HAIs and improve patient outcomes.
