WHO Human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus – update 1/20/14

20 JANUARY 2014 - On 16 January 2014, the National Health and Family Planning Commission of China notified WHO of seven additional laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus.

Details of the cases are as follows:

• A 38 year old man, reportedly from Guizhou Province, who was working in Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, and then returned to Guizhou Province on 3 January. He was admitted to hospital on 8 January and died on 9 January. Investigation on when and where he became ill are continuing.
• A 59 year old man from Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, who became ill on 6 January and was admitted to hospital on 13 January. He is currently in a serious condition.
• A 20 year old woman from Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, who became ill on 7 January and was admitted to hospital on 11 January and then transferred to another hospital on 14 January. She is currently in a critical condition. The patient has a history of exposure to poultry.
• A 58 year old man from Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province, who became ill on 7 January and was admitted to hospital on 14 January. He is currently in a critical condition. The patient has a history of exposure to poultry.
• A 30 year old man from Quanzhou City, Fujian Province, who became ill on 9 January and was admitted to hospital on 14 January. He is currently in a critical condition.
• A 60 year old man from Quanzhou City, Fujian Province, who became ill on 10 January and was admitted to hospital on 13 January. He is currently in a serious condition. The patient has a history of exposure to a live poultry market.
• A 76 year old woman from Foshan City, Guangdong Province, who became ill on 12 January and was admitted to hospital on the same day. She is currently in a critical condition.

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 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.

http://www.who.int/csr/don/2014_01_20/en/index.html