WHO is Notified of 11 Cases of Human Infection with H7N9 Virus in China

On Dec. 16, 2014, the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) of China notified the World Health Organization (WHO) of 11 additional laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus, including five deaths.

Details of the cases are as follows:

A 75-year-old male from Yancheng City, Jiangsu Province wdeveloped symptoms on Nov. 11. The patient was admitted to hospital on Nov. 14 but died on Nov. 25. The patient had a history of exposure to live poultry.

A 68-year-old male from Urumqi City, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region developed symptoms on Nov. 14. The patient was admitted to a hospital on Nov. 21 but died on Nov. 24. The patient had a history of exposure to live poultry.

A 45-year-old male from Shihezi City, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region developed symptoms on Nov. 15. The patient was admitted to hospital on Nov. 19 but died on Nov. 27. The patient had a history of exposure to live poultry.

A 59-year-old female from Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province developed symptoms on Nov. 17. The patient was admitted to a hospital on Nov. 22 and is now in severe condition. The patient has a history of exposure to live poultry.

A 31-year-old female from Dongguan City, Guangdong Province developed symptoms on Nov. 22. The patient was admitted to a hospital on Nov. 25 and is now in severe condition. The patient has a history of exposure to live poultry.

An 81-year-old female from Urumqi City, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region developed symptoms on Nov. 24. The patient was admitted to a hospital on Nov. 27 but died on Dec. 1. The patient had a history of exposure to live poultry.

A 66-year-old male from Meizhou City, Guangdong Province developed symptoms on Nov. 25. The patient was admitted to a hospital on Nov. 27 but died on Dec. 3. The patient had a history of exposure to live poultry.

A 36-year-old male from Jinhua City, Zhejiang Province developed symptoms on Nov. 26. The patient did not require hospitalization and is now in mild condition. The patient has a history of exposure to live poultry.

A 27-year-old male from Fuzhou City, Fujian Province developed symptoms on Nov. 26. The patient was admitted to a hospital on Dec. 1 and is now in severe condition. The patient has a history of exposure to live poultry.

A 38-year-old male from Minghang District, Shanghai City developed symptoms on Nov. 28. The patient was admitted to a hospital on Dec. 1 and is now in severe condition. The patient has a history of exposure to live poultry.

A 65-year-old male from Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region developed symptoms on Dec. 1. The patient was admitted to a hospital on Dec. 1 and is now in severe condition. The patient did not recall a history of direct exposure to live poultry.

The Chinese government has taken the following surveillance and control measures: Strengthen surveillance and situation analysis; reinforce case management and medical treatment; and onduct risk communication with the public and release information.

WHO continues to closely monitor the H7N9 situation and conduct risk assessment. So far, the overall risk associated with the H7N9 virus has not changed.

WHO advises that travelers to countries with known outbreaks of avian influenza should avoid poultry farms, or contact with animals in live bird markets, or entering areas where poultry may be slaughtered, or contact with any surfaces that appear to be contaminated with feces from poultry or other animals. Travellers should also wash their hands often with soap and water. Travelers should follow good food safety and good food hygiene practices.

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. As always, a diagnosis of infection with an avian influenza virus should be considered in individuals who develop severe acute respiratory symptoms while travelling or soon after returning from an area where avian influenza is a concern.

WHO encourages countries to continue strengthening influenza surveillance, including surveillance for severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) and to carefully review any unusual patterns, in order to ensure reporting of human infections under the IHR (2005), and continue national health preparedness actions.

Source: WHO