WHO Notified of Three Cases of Human Infection with H7N9 Virus in China

On Nov. 15, 2014, the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) of China notified the World Health Organization (WHO) of three additional laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus, including one death.

Details of the cases are as follows:

A 54-year-old female from Shihezi City, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region developed symptoms on Oct. 19.  The patient died on Nov. 1. Exposure to live poultry is unknown.

A 58-year-old female from Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province developed symptoms on Oct. 24. The patient was admitted to a hospital on Oct. 28. She is now in critical condition. The patient has a history of exposure to a live poultry market.

A 45-year-old female from Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province developed symptoms on Nov. 3. The patient was hospitalized on Nov. 5. Her current condition is mild. The patient has a history of exposure to a live poultry market.

The Chinese government has taken the following surveillance and control measures: strengthen surveillance and situation analysis, reinforce case management and medical treatment; and conduct 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. Travelers 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