Thursday, January 09, 2014

WHO Update On 7 Recent H7N9 Human Cases In China

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This morning the World Health Organization released a GAR (Global Alert & Response) update on seven recently reported H7N9 cases in China.  This update is current through yesterday, January 8th, and does not include this morning’s announced case from Zhejiang Province.  

 

 

Human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus – update

Disease outbreak news

9 January 2014 - The National Health and Family Planning Commission of China has notified WHO of seven additional laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus.

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

On 5 January 2014, WHO was notified of 34 year old woman from Shaoxing City, Zhejiang Province became ill on 29 December and was admitted to hospital on 2 January. She is currently in critical condition.

On 6 January 2014, WHO was notified of two additional cases:

  • A 47 year old man from Foshan City in Guangdong Province became ill on 25 December and was admitted to hospital on 3 January. 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 1 January and was admitted to hospital on 4 January. He is currently in critical condition.

On 8 January 2014, WHO was notified of three additional cases:

  • A 54 year-old woman from Nanjing City in Jiangsu Province who became ill on 20 December and was admitted to hospital on 27 December. 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 30 December and was admitted to hospital on 3 January. He is currently in stable condition.
  • A 51 year-old woman from Foshan City in Guangdong Province who became ill on 31 December and was admitted to hospital on 3 January. 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.