04 April, 2013
Earlier this week, a bird flu virus never before found in humans
grabbed world attention after it infected and killed people in China.
Scientists have since been scrambling to understand how it happened and,
more importantly, whether it poses a risk to public health or could
potentially spark a global pandemic.
The good news is that so far there’s no sign that the H7N9 virus is
spreading from person to person, but experts say it has mutated in a way
that has caused concern. Here are the answers to some questions to help
explain what’s known about the strain and why it matters:
What is the H7N9 virus and what do we know about it? ...
How concerned should the public be about the H7N9 virus?...
Is there a vaccine?...
What changes are scientists seeing in the virus and why is this important?
Link to article: http://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/1207038/bird-flu-how-bad-new-h7n9-strain
Thursday, April 4, 2013
#H7N9 3 Suspected Cases in Shanghai
Excerpt:
Another person died of H7N9 bird
flu in east China's Shanghai on Thursday, bringing the total number
of such deaths in the country to four, according to local
authorities.
Three suspected H7N9 cases were
also reported in the city, said the Shanghai Municipal Health and
Family Planning Commission on Thursday.
The latest death case involved a
48-year-old man surnamed Chu, who was a native of Rugao in
neighboring Jiangsu Province. The man was a poultry
transporter.
-snip-
Chu died three hours after being
admitted to the hospital. He was confirmed to have been infected
with the H7N9 virus on Thursday. Eight people who had close contact
with him have shown no abnormal symptoms.
#H7N9 Details on 11th Case
Translated out of China
Beijing, April 4 Health and Family Planning Commission, Shanghai Bulletin, April 4 ended today 17:30 Shanghai new case of human infection of H7N9 avian influenza confirmed cases, the patients after rescue invalid death . Up to now, Shanghai has a total of three cases of human infection of H7N9 avian influenza confirmed cases, 3 died. Newly discovered one patient as follows: patients with a reservoir, male, 48 years old, Jiangsu Rugao, occupational waders personnel, mainly engaged in the transportation of chickens and ducks work. On March 28, the patients cough, sputum symptoms of fever on April 1, go to private clinics. After sicker patients in the morning of April 3 4:55 to Tongji Hospital emergency medical treatment. Rescue by experts, the end result of his condition deteriorated sharply, rescue invalid death On the morning of 7 53. At 10:30 on April 4, the Shanghai CDC report laboratory test results for the H7N9 avian influenza virus nucleic acid positive. In accordance with the relevant requirements, the afternoon of April 4, the Shanghai Municipal Health and Family Planning Commission organized municipal clinical expert group to discuss the deaths of experts based on the clinical performance of laboratory testing and epidemiological data to diagnose the cases human infection of H7N9 avian influenza. After investigation, the close contacts of the cases to a total of eight people, far found no abnormalities. Shanghai there are three cases of suspected cases, the group is investigation and diagnosis. The experts believe that the domestic found close contacts of cases were not unusual, not yet discovered the infection between people.
Beijing, April 4 Health and Family Planning Commission, Shanghai Bulletin, April 4 ended today 17:30 Shanghai new case of human infection of H7N9 avian influenza confirmed cases, the patients after rescue invalid death . Up to now, Shanghai has a total of three cases of human infection of H7N9 avian influenza confirmed cases, 3 died. Newly discovered one patient as follows: patients with a reservoir, male, 48 years old, Jiangsu Rugao, occupational waders personnel, mainly engaged in the transportation of chickens and ducks work. On March 28, the patients cough, sputum symptoms of fever on April 1, go to private clinics. After sicker patients in the morning of April 3 4:55 to Tongji Hospital emergency medical treatment. Rescue by experts, the end result of his condition deteriorated sharply, rescue invalid death On the morning of 7 53. At 10:30 on April 4, the Shanghai CDC report laboratory test results for the H7N9 avian influenza virus nucleic acid positive. In accordance with the relevant requirements, the afternoon of April 4, the Shanghai Municipal Health and Family Planning Commission organized municipal clinical expert group to discuss the deaths of experts based on the clinical performance of laboratory testing and epidemiological data to diagnose the cases human infection of H7N9 avian influenza. After investigation, the close contacts of the cases to a total of eight people, far found no abnormalities. Shanghai there are three cases of suspected cases, the group is investigation and diagnosis. The experts believe that the domestic found close contacts of cases were not unusual, not yet discovered the infection between people.
The experts Detailed H7N9 avian influenza Clinical Characteristics
April 4, 2013
Translation out of China
Excerpts:
Clinical diagnosis and diagnosis of patients should be treated in isolation; symptomatic treatment, oxygen, application of antipyretic drugs, cough expectorants; application of antiviral drugs for influenza antiviral treatment as soon as possible, the other type influenza antiviral treatment experience, the incidence of early use of the neuraminidase inhibitor class of antiviral drugs for influenza may be effective remains to be seen, but on the specific treatment of the H7N9 avian influenza virus infection studies.
http://www.chinanews.com/gn/2013/04-04/4703948.shtml
Translation out of China
Excerpts:
H7N9 avian influenza and clinical characteristics
H7N9 is a subtype of the avian flu. All human influenza virus can cause avian influenza, but not all of the avian influenza virus can cause human influenza. The avian influenza virus, H5, H7, H9 can be transmitted to humans, which H5 highly pathogenic. The H7N9 subtype of avian influenza past is found not only in poultry between human infection.
Patients infected with the H7N9 strain of bird flu symptoms as acute onset, early in the course have high fever (38 ° C or more), cough and other respiratory tract infections and other symptoms, onset 5-7 days difficulty in breathing, severe pneumonia and progressive increase, some cases can quickly develop into acute respiratory distress syndrome, and death. Disease, not timely diagnosis and treatment, the prognosis is poor, with high mortality.
H7N9 avian influenza is not spread from person to person
After medical observation, there is no fever or respiratory symptoms, also found no epidemiological association between cases of close contacts with the H7N9 avian influenza. World Health Organization, pointed out that this is the first case of human infection with the H7N9 avian influenza virus, interpersonal transmission of the virus is not found. Highly sporadic disease is currently based, there is no evidence to support the cause of possible outbreaks.
However, we can not be taken lightly, the virus may with other influenza viruses through mutation restructuring is more suitable for reproduction in the human body, in ability to spread from person to person, so strict observation of the epidemic, scientific analysis of protection is very important.
Clinical diagnosis and diagnosis of patients should be treated in isolation; symptomatic treatment, oxygen, application of antipyretic drugs, cough expectorants; application of antiviral drugs for influenza antiviral treatment as soon as possible, the other type influenza antiviral treatment experience, the incidence of early use of the neuraminidase inhibitor class of antiviral drugs for influenza may be effective remains to be seen, but on the specific treatment of the H7N9 avian influenza virus infection studies.
http://www.chinanews.com/gn/2013/04-04/4703948.shtml
#H7N9 - 11 Cases Total; HK Health Experts Meet in Shanghai to Gather & Exchange New Flu Strain
April 4, 2013
A fourth person has died of human H7N9 avian flu infection in China and another person is in hospital after contracting the virus, Chinese health officials announced on Thursday.
These infections bring the death toll to four and the total number of reported cases of humans infected with the virus to 11.
The latest death from the virus occurred in Shanghai, bringing the city’s death total from H7N9 to three. One person also died in Zhejiang province, close to Shanghai.
Shanghai Health Bureau said on Thursday a 48-year-old Jiangsu man, who worked in the chicken and duck transportation business, died on Wednesday morning after contracting the virus.
A 64-year-old farmer from Wuxing district in Huzhou city who was hospitalised on Sunday tested positive by the Zhejiang Disease Control and Prevention Centre for the virus on Wednesday night, Xinhua news agency reported on Thursday.
No abnormal conditions were found in the 55 people the man had been in close contact with, the report said.
Also on Thursday, an expert team of Hong Kong health officials set off on a trip to Shanghai to gather and exchange information on the new flu strain.
The six-member Hong Kong team sent to Shanghai is led by the Hong Kong Hospital Authority’s head of infection, emergency and contingency planning, Dr Liu Shao-haei, and consists of officials from the authority, the Centre for Health Protection, and Yuen Kwok-yung, chair professor of the University of Hong Kong’s Department of Microbiology.
The team will meet with Shanghai experts over two days to exchange treatment and clinical reviews regarding H7N9 influenza infection.
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1207029/fourth-death-h7n9-avian-flu-reported-china
A fourth person has died of human H7N9 avian flu infection in China and another person is in hospital after contracting the virus, Chinese health officials announced on Thursday.
These infections bring the death toll to four and the total number of reported cases of humans infected with the virus to 11.
The latest death from the virus occurred in Shanghai, bringing the city’s death total from H7N9 to three. One person also died in Zhejiang province, close to Shanghai.
Shanghai Health Bureau said on Thursday a 48-year-old Jiangsu man, who worked in the chicken and duck transportation business, died on Wednesday morning after contracting the virus.
A 64-year-old farmer from Wuxing district in Huzhou city who was hospitalised on Sunday tested positive by the Zhejiang Disease Control and Prevention Centre for the virus on Wednesday night, Xinhua news agency reported on Thursday.
No abnormal conditions were found in the 55 people the man had been in close contact with, the report said.
Also on Thursday, an expert team of Hong Kong health officials set off on a trip to Shanghai to gather and exchange information on the new flu strain.
The six-member Hong Kong team sent to Shanghai is led by the Hong Kong Hospital Authority’s head of infection, emergency and contingency planning, Dr Liu Shao-haei, and consists of officials from the authority, the Centre for Health Protection, and Yuen Kwok-yung, chair professor of the University of Hong Kong’s Department of Microbiology.
The team will meet with Shanghai experts over two days to exchange treatment and clinical reviews regarding H7N9 influenza infection.
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1207029/fourth-death-h7n9-avian-flu-reported-china
Jiangsu transport chickens and ducks man coughing fever death in Shanghai #H7N9
April 4, 2013
Translated out of China
[Shanghai health sector Putuo Area hospital deaths do specimens] Rugao a middle-aged man transporting chickens and ducks because of cough, expectoration and fever symptoms first in Shanghai a body clinics for treatment to a hospital after go to Putuo He died in the morning of April 3 death.
http://news.sohu.com/20130404/n371719299.shtml
Translated out of China
[Shanghai health sector Putuo Area hospital deaths do specimens] Rugao a middle-aged man transporting chickens and ducks because of cough, expectoration and fever symptoms first in Shanghai a body clinics for treatment to a hospital after go to Putuo He died in the morning of April 3 death.
http://news.sohu.com/20130404/n371719299.shtml
Shanghai new cases of human infection of #H7N9 avian flu deaths
[Translation out of China.]
BEIJING, April 4, according to the News of the CCTV official microblogging message, as far as the Shanghai health and the Planning Commission informed, Shanghai today newly confirmed cases of human infection of H7N9 avian flu deaths.Patients with a reservoir, male, 48 years old, Jiangsu Rugao person, engaged in chickens and ducks transportation work. So far, the cases of close contacts 8 per capita found no clinical abnormalities.
Currently, the country has 11 people infected with the H7N9 avian influenza.
10th #H7N9 bird flu case confirmed in China
2013-04-04
HANGZHOU, April 4 (Xinhua) -- Another H7N9 bird flu case has been confirmed in east China's Zhejiang Province, the provincial health department said Thursday, bringing the country's total number of cases to 10.
The patient is a 64-year-old man from Huzhou City. He became ill on March 29 and was admitted to a hospital in Huzhou on March 31.
On Thursday, medical experts confirmed that he was infected with the H7N9 bird flu strain after the provincial center for disease control and prevention said late Wednesday that he tested positive for the virus.
An investigation has found that all 55 people who had close contact with the man have not exhibited any abnormal clinical symptoms, the department said.
Continued
HANGZHOU, April 4 (Xinhua) -- Another H7N9 bird flu case has been confirmed in east China's Zhejiang Province, the provincial health department said Thursday, bringing the country's total number of cases to 10.
The patient is a 64-year-old man from Huzhou City. He became ill on March 29 and was admitted to a hospital in Huzhou on March 31.
On Thursday, medical experts confirmed that he was infected with the H7N9 bird flu strain after the provincial center for disease control and prevention said late Wednesday that he tested positive for the virus.
An investigation has found that all 55 people who had close contact with the man have not exhibited any abnormal clinical symptoms, the department said.
Continued
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
China Preparing State In Response To The Virus #H7N9
Picture @ site
4/4/13
Currently, the country has found nine cases of H7N9 avian influenza confirmed cases of this, and more to strengthen the prevention and control of deployment, the H7N9 avian flu prevention and control of "preparing" state, in response to the virus struck. National Health and Family Planning Commission requirements, the epidemic information daily reporting system started in the diagnosis of human infection with the H7N9 avian influenza have been reported in the province. In Pictured Chest Hospital of Qingdao City, Shandong Province, on April 3, emergency drills held in response to the H7N9 avian flu, health care workers armed.
http://news.qq.com/a/20130404/000092.htm#p=1
4/4/13
Currently, the country has found nine cases of H7N9 avian influenza confirmed cases of this, and more to strengthen the prevention and control of deployment, the H7N9 avian flu prevention and control of "preparing" state, in response to the virus struck. National Health and Family Planning Commission requirements, the epidemic information daily reporting system started in the diagnosis of human infection with the H7N9 avian influenza have been reported in the province. In Pictured Chest Hospital of Qingdao City, Shandong Province, on April 3, emergency drills held in response to the H7N9 avian flu, health care workers armed.
http://news.qq.com/a/20130404/000092.htm#p=1
Shanghai death man named by the hospital is not completely isolated from medical records be sealed
This article is talking about this case. Translation out of China:
Shanghai
Date of Report:
3/31/13
Name: Wu 27(M)
Pork Dealer in wet market
From: Minhang
District, Shanghai
Adm: Shanghai
No. 5 People’s Hospital
Onset: 2/27
Notes: No mutual infections among the 3 cases. 88 contacts are fine. H7N9 has never been contracted to
humans before. Virus shows no
signs of being highly contagious.
All sym’s were fever, cough developing into severe pneumonia &
difficulty breathing in later stage.
Confirmation:
3/30/13
DOD: 3/10
April 4, 2013... At noon yesterday, reporters rushed to the Wu Mousheng before the Minhang Jingchuang vegetable market visits. Wu is one of Shanghai confirmed infection cases of the H7N9 avian influenza virus.
Jingchuang market is a small community markets, afternoon, few people are visiting the vegetable market. Wu's father-in-law Wu Demao where pork trafficking point then go amortization empty. Nearby traders said, he just shut the shop at noon to go home.
Healthy patients around the Spring Festival
Wu Demao stalls near the tofu shop peddler, 27-year-old Wu during the Spring Festival by Jiangsu Funing came to Jingchuang vegetable market, was I the particular business is booming, his father-in-law to help temporarily keep stalls selling pork. "Pretty introverted young man, people are honest."
She recalls that the last time I saw Wu in mid-February, and that morning he bought breakfast, "look perfectly healthy, unlike the ill.
Prior to that, Ms. Wu Moudi Wu Xiaoya said in a media interview, husband fever symptoms by the end of February, the first small clinic for treatment, but her condition repeatedly, March 3 to hospitals for treatment, diagnosed as ordinary pneumonia, the next day was admitted to the respiratory tract Division fluids every day. March 6, issued by the hospital in critical condition, and died on March 10.
Wu Xiaoya March 6 issued by the hospital in critical condition, the doctor personally told of her husband's illness "infectious", but the hospital isolation protection. When her husband was sent to the intensive care unit isolation the same ward thirty-four elderly patients. Many days later, the hospital had just grounds of "humanitarian grants to pay for their family 130,000 yuan.
Meat sold are brand cold meat
According to market traders the Wu Demao a Jingchuang vegetable market selling pork has been about three years time. Wude Mao's daughter also had help here to marry Wu, back home.
Reporter saw in the vegetable market stalls the Wu Mousheng ago to help guard, sales of a brand of pork.
Jingchuang vegetable market management the Shanghai Minhang Wholesale Food Co., Ltd. Pujiang cooperation farms manager Wang Zhishun said, all the fresh pork in the market are brand meat and specified wholesale channels approved by the relevant government departments to purchase.
If the merchant selling pork from unknown sources how to do? Wangzhi Shun said: "there can be no pork of unknown origin. Sent pork must Pig card" pig inspection and quarantine certificates, if the merchant trafficking, "We do not fine, do not have permission, but asked him to direct ' get out '. "
Wude Mao's brother Wu Desen previously said in an interview three years ago to become the company's agents to join has been no problem ".
Is not completely isolated from patient admission
Shanghai found another patient infected with the H7N9 virus, the 87-year-old Lee, living and Wu, Shanghai Fifth Hospital with a layer of the ward, but in the interval of a few rooms.
Yesterday afternoon, the reporter went to the Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai visits. Building 11 in the hospital's administration building, the reporter found only hospital Yuanban, the 4th floor of the office floors 党办 where the door was locked, the door key or by subpoena.
Reporters call the Admin Office announced three office phone, and was told: "the person in charge is not, and does not know when to back", "new", "do not know the person in charge of telephone.
The officer, who asked not to be named told reporters that he first knew Lee this case is at the end of February, "a family of three disease very special, very sick", within the hospital was meeting notice, because there are special deaths, Ask the staff not only into the ward must wear a mask, but out of the room and can not remove it.
He said that, to his knowledge, to Lee after admission did not completely isolated, "learned that he did not specific etiology is not suitable for complete isolation when we exclude the H1N1, H5N1, but who do not know The H7N9 virus, the hospital is not related to the detection equipment, Shanghai also did several.
Last night, according to the Shanghai Five hospital insiders inform, currently, Lee and other related medical records has been the hospital archives, internal staff can not view these medical records.
● Location: Suzhou
● Case: diagnosed people are still under treatment
Patients who live near large farms
On the afternoon of April 2, the Jiangsu Provincial Health Department announced the province infected with the H7N9 avian influenza outbreak, the four cases in the province, including one case of patients with Suzhou Shen a Wujiang District. 10:45 yesterday, Suzhou Municipal Health Bureau held a news conference to announce the prevention and control of H7N9 human case of bird flu in Suzhou.
Here, they are speaking of this case:
Jiangsu Province
Date of Report:
4/2/13
Name: Shen 83(M)
From: Suzhou
Wujiang District, Jiangsu Province
Onset: 3/20,
fever, cough, sputum production
Adm: 3/29
Wujiang
Confirmed: 4/1
Jiangsu Provincial Ctr for Disease Detection
Notes: Critical Condition. 15 contacts monitored.
Patients Shen, male, 83 years old, Suzhou Wujiang District. March 20 fever, cough, sputum production, accompanied by symptoms such as chest tightness, shortness of breath and chest pain. On the afternoon of April 2, Jiangsu Province, organized by the Office of Health expert, according to the clinical manifestations, laboratory testing and epidemiological findings, diagnosis of the cases of human infection confirmed cases of the H7N9 avian flu.
Suzhou Municipal Health Bureau said in a Food and Drug Administration, Currently, Suzhou infected with the H7N9 avian flu patients are still the Wujiang rescue treatment, taking into account the patients 83 years old, will be the First Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, sent experts to the patient's condition further consultation, to determine the suitability of sentinel admitted, if the patient's condition is not suitable for referral transferred to the Soviet attached to a hospital to be accredited by the Expert Group Wujiang full treatment.
Food and Drug Administration's response Shen cause infection, Suzhou Municipal Health Bureau, said Shen a Department of Wujiang elderly people living alone in rural areas around the residence no centralized large-scale farms and farmers' markets, but the habit of backyard poultry and livestock in rural areas, The cause of infection is not clear.
The conference, the briefing also known as Next Suzhou City, will be established infection with the H7N9 avian flu prevention and control work leading group, and epidemic prevention and control of the Group of Experts, medical treatment expert group.
Rapid risk assessment: Severe respiratory disease associated with a novel influenza A virus, A(H7N9) China
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
April 3, 2013
Abstract
April 3, 2013
Abstract
On
31 March 2013, the Chinese authorities announced the identification of a
novel influenza A virus, A(H7H9), in three seriously ill people from
two provinces presenting with respiratory infections. So far, no
epidemiological link has been identified between those three patients.
When testing for the influenza virus, the Chinese Center for Disease
Control and Prevention identified genes from both A(H7N9) and A(H9N2)
viruses, thus indicating a novel reassortant avian influenza A virus. In
its initial assessment of the situation, the ECDC rapid risk assessment
concludes that the risk of the spread of the virus in Europe can be
considered low at this stage.
CDC: Avian Influenza A (H7N9) Virus
4/4/13
On April 1, 2013, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported three human infections with avian influenza A (H7N9) viruses in China. This is the first time avian influenza A (H7N9) viruses have been detected in humans. Each of the three confirmed cases had severe respiratory illness; two of them died. According to WHO, no human-to-human transmission has been identified at this time, and the cases do not have a known epidemiological link to one another.
An investigation by Chinese health authorities is ongoing to determine the source of infection and detect any additional cases. The sequences of these viruses are posted and publicly available in GISAIDExternal Web Site Icon.
CDC is following this situation closely and coordinating with domestic and international partners in a number of areas, including gathering more information to make a knowledgeable public health risk assessment and developing a candidate vaccine virus. CDC also is reviewing posted genetic sequencing of the new H7N9 viruses and assessing possible implications in terms of the viruses’ transmissibility and severity and whether existing influenza diagnostic tests need to be enhanced or new ones developed. All of these actions are routine preparedness measures taken whenever a new novel influenza virus is detected in humans.
This is an evolving situation and there is still much to learn. It is too soon to speculate regarding the significance of these cases/viruses, however, CDC will provide updated information as it becomes available.
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/h7n9-virus.htm?mobile=nocontent
On April 1, 2013, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported three human infections with avian influenza A (H7N9) viruses in China. This is the first time avian influenza A (H7N9) viruses have been detected in humans. Each of the three confirmed cases had severe respiratory illness; two of them died. According to WHO, no human-to-human transmission has been identified at this time, and the cases do not have a known epidemiological link to one another.
An investigation by Chinese health authorities is ongoing to determine the source of infection and detect any additional cases. The sequences of these viruses are posted and publicly available in GISAIDExternal Web Site Icon.
CDC is following this situation closely and coordinating with domestic and international partners in a number of areas, including gathering more information to make a knowledgeable public health risk assessment and developing a candidate vaccine virus. CDC also is reviewing posted genetic sequencing of the new H7N9 viruses and assessing possible implications in terms of the viruses’ transmissibility and severity and whether existing influenza diagnostic tests need to be enhanced or new ones developed. All of these actions are routine preparedness measures taken whenever a new novel influenza virus is detected in humans.
This is an evolving situation and there is still much to learn. It is too soon to speculate regarding the significance of these cases/viruses, however, CDC will provide updated information as it becomes available.
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/h7n9-virus.htm?mobile=nocontent
#H5N9: Beijing Does Not Rule Out Possibility of Outbreak - Lab Entered 24-hr Standby
4/4/13
Excerpt (translation out of China)
City CDC deputy director Pang spark introduction, Beijing had also occurred in the avian flu, such as the H5N1. But the 7 cases of H7N9 avian influenza virus infection as a new subtype of influenza A virus. As of yesterday, not received reports of human infection with the H7N9 avian flu cases in Beijing.
H7N9 cases has not yet been found in the northern region, but the Beijing population movements are frequent outbreak provinces Beijing is very likely, so the results of the risk assessment that Beijing does not rule out the possibility of an outbreak. "The public need not panic," said Pang spark, Beijing has experienced outbreaks of SARS, test of the emergency response mechanisms and capabilities are available, based on the deployment of the country and the city, to take appropriate prevention and control measures.
-snip-
H7N9 virus monitoring within the city to strengthen the four monitoring system, including the unexplained pneumonia monitoring of medical institutions at all levels, monitoring of influenza-like illness, syndromic surveillance of infectious diseases, as well as 17 network laboratories in Beijing and 23 sentinel point medical institutions on the basis of conduct influenza pathogen monitoring to increase pathogen detection of avian influenza virus H7N9 "This is a very sensitive surveillance system."
Pang spark critically ill patients from the existing 7 cases of clinical manifestations of view, can not see this disease "appearance".Next, Beijing will be continuous monitoring of influenza-like illness, concern the existence of a number of different symptoms of "mild" patients, capture clusters of cases in a timely manner. City CDC said that the medical establishment is in the pre-screening, triage, protection, improve the quality and sensitivity of suspicious cases should be done the first time real-time reporting. Lab 24 hours a day to detect
Currently, the Beijing CDC to receive the H7N9 avian influenza virus detection primer provided by the Chinese Center for Disease Control, the formation of the technical capabilities of the detection of the virus. It is learned that the laboratory has to enter the 24-hour standby, night arranged for someone on duty, sampling the first time to detect suspected cases.
Excerpt (translation out of China)
City CDC deputy director Pang spark introduction, Beijing had also occurred in the avian flu, such as the H5N1. But the 7 cases of H7N9 avian influenza virus infection as a new subtype of influenza A virus. As of yesterday, not received reports of human infection with the H7N9 avian flu cases in Beijing.
H7N9 cases has not yet been found in the northern region, but the Beijing population movements are frequent outbreak provinces Beijing is very likely, so the results of the risk assessment that Beijing does not rule out the possibility of an outbreak. "The public need not panic," said Pang spark, Beijing has experienced outbreaks of SARS, test of the emergency response mechanisms and capabilities are available, based on the deployment of the country and the city, to take appropriate prevention and control measures.
-snip-
H7N9 virus monitoring within the city to strengthen the four monitoring system, including the unexplained pneumonia monitoring of medical institutions at all levels, monitoring of influenza-like illness, syndromic surveillance of infectious diseases, as well as 17 network laboratories in Beijing and 23 sentinel point medical institutions on the basis of conduct influenza pathogen monitoring to increase pathogen detection of avian influenza virus H7N9 "This is a very sensitive surveillance system."
Pang spark critically ill patients from the existing 7 cases of clinical manifestations of view, can not see this disease "appearance".Next, Beijing will be continuous monitoring of influenza-like illness, concern the existence of a number of different symptoms of "mild" patients, capture clusters of cases in a timely manner. City CDC said that the medical establishment is in the pre-screening, triage, protection, improve the quality and sensitivity of suspicious cases should be done the first time real-time reporting. Lab 24 hours a day to detect
Currently, the Beijing CDC to receive the H7N9 avian influenza virus detection primer provided by the Chinese Center for Disease Control, the formation of the technical capabilities of the detection of the virus. It is learned that the laboratory has to enter the 24-hour standby, night arranged for someone on duty, sampling the first time to detect suspected cases.
Full Article: http://news.qq.com/a/20130404/000055.htm
#H7N9 Should Have Appeared in Poultry & Pigs - No Virus Detected In Shanghai, Anhui, Jiangsu, Zhejiang...
4/4/13
Recently, the East China emerging human infection with the H7N9 avian influenza virus, health disease control experts, this virus should have appeared in east China's poultry and other animals. But the agriculture department, said the avian flu virus is not detected from poultry and pigs.
In people infected with the H7N9 virus outbreaks occur, the agricultural sector what had been done? Beijing News Reporter site visit conducted in Jiangsu, Anhui and other places to understand the situation of animal epidemic prevention.
"Anhui, Jiangsu, Shanghai outbreak, three of the agricultural sector, said local animal H7N9 flu epidemic is not now". March 20, Chuzhou agricultural sector to monitor the patient's residence surrounding farms and urban areas within 10 km surrounding farms, slaughterhouses, poultry wholesale market, poultry backyard farmers were not detected H7 subtypes of influenza.
Yang Ying, Jiangsu 省农委 major animal disease prevention and control office director, also said that the H7N9 virus was not detected as of April 3, the animals in the province of Jiangsu. She further explained that, can not say that the Jiangsu outbreak of avian flu outbreaks, but people infected with avian flu occurs.
Shanghai Agriculture Commission, deputy director of said Yin Europe, so far found no epidemic of avian flu and swine, chicken and pork in the Shanghai market can rest assured eat. Although none of the three identified animal H7N9 influenza epidemic, but the investigation and take the appropriate protective measures.
Recently, the East China emerging human infection with the H7N9 avian influenza virus, health disease control experts, this virus should have appeared in east China's poultry and other animals. But the agriculture department, said the avian flu virus is not detected from poultry and pigs.
In people infected with the H7N9 virus outbreaks occur, the agricultural sector what had been done? Beijing News Reporter site visit conducted in Jiangsu, Anhui and other places to understand the situation of animal epidemic prevention.
Yesterday, the reporter in Jiangsu Province Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Bureau of the Committee, in Jiangsu Province Committee of major animal disease prevention and control office consulting, digital staff, Jiangsu province not now animal H7N9 influenza epidemic.
In addition, Shanghai, Anhui, also said the agricultural sector, the local nor the current animal H7N9 influenza epidemic.
Yesterday, the official website of the Ministry of Agriculture said in a news release, has urgently sent a work team to go to the provinces to carry out the the animal H7N9 outbreak investigation and epidemiological investigation. At present, Zhejiang, Shanghai, Anhui, Jiangsu and other places were not found in animal H7N9 influenza epidemic."Anhui, Jiangsu, Shanghai outbreak, three of the agricultural sector, said local animal H7N9 flu epidemic is not now". March 20, Chuzhou agricultural sector to monitor the patient's residence surrounding farms and urban areas within 10 km surrounding farms, slaughterhouses, poultry wholesale market, poultry backyard farmers were not detected H7 subtypes of influenza.
Yang Ying, Jiangsu 省农委 major animal disease prevention and control office director, also said that the H7N9 virus was not detected as of April 3, the animals in the province of Jiangsu. She further explained that, can not say that the Jiangsu outbreak of avian flu outbreaks, but people infected with avian flu occurs.
Shanghai Agriculture Commission, deputy director of said Yin Europe, so far found no epidemic of avian flu and swine, chicken and pork in the Shanghai market can rest assured eat. Although none of the three identified animal H7N9 influenza epidemic, but the investigation and take the appropriate protective measures.
Wuxi no birds infected with the #H7N9 avian flu history of exposure
2013-04-04
People who live in the district where the filed access, the old people sitting in twos and threes McCain engage in small talk the artificial Hupang Gallery Pavilion, the kids while you work in the garden, did not seem to be disturbed by the sudden avian flu. However, in the area, pausing a moment, still be able to feel the slightest panic brought by the H7N9 avian flu. "In the future do not run around to the 2nd floor to go!" A grandmother from Wuxi city, Area District 117 Building through it, her half bent close to the ear of the grandson said.
The Wuxi patients infected with the H7N9 avian influenza on the residence in the district 117 Building, 2nd Floor. "We are in the supermarket in the morning to buy food have heard that this patient originally lived in our neighborhood." Many owners living in the district, said to the reporter. Newspaper reporter after careful search, to find the address of residence of the patients, and people repeatedly knocked on the door there was no response. Close to a cell in the corridor next to the elevator disinfection insecticidal notice posted date is March 22. The area near a pharmacy owner told reporters: "In recent days some people to buy a disinfectant, very strange shop since nobody bought this thing for so many years."
On the afternoon of April 3, the reporter in the area of search and inquire alerted the property and neighborhood, the residential property staff told this reporter: "The foreign personnel shall not enter the cell." On the evening of April 3, the reporter learned from the Wuxi Municipal Health Bureau, infected with the H7N9 avian flu Zhang to leave home, now often ranked Wuxi search to living in the reporter of the district. Of the patients during the Spring Festival to go out history back to Wuxi after February 15 to go out, nor the history of contact with poultry, poultry farms and poultry deaths in the area in the vicinity of the place of residence.
Wuxi City Health Bureau, an official press release to the newspaper, March 27, Wuxi CDC sampling detection of Display Zhang influenza virus nucleic acid testing positive Wuxi People's Hospital ICU ward, transferred to the 28th. Further genotyping by the Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control, 31, identified as the H7N9 avian influenza virus nucleic acid positive. In accordance with the relevant requirements, the afternoon of April 2, the provincial Health Department organized experts, according to the clinical manifestations, laboratory testing and epidemiological findings, the diagnosis of the cases human infection confirmed cases of the H7N9 avian flu.
Since March 31, the CDC-conducted epidemiological surveys, respectively, went to the hospital and patients living epidemiological investigations, investigation of close contacts and possible source of infection. April 1, to strengthen the medical treatment of patients and hospital infection control. Strengthen disinfection and isolation ward for treatment hospital, personal protection of medical personnel, medical waste disposal nosocomial infection control measures, the municipal medical treatment expert group of cases consultation, the perfect treatment programs, to treat the patients, and improve the treatment success rate.
Investigation and the close contacts 43 have been implemented under medical observation. As of April 2, 21 to release medical observation, the remaining 22 are still under medical observation, no fever, cough and other symptoms.
-snip-
http://news.qq.com/a/20130404/000050.htm
People who live in the district where the filed access, the old people sitting in twos and threes McCain engage in small talk the artificial Hupang Gallery Pavilion, the kids while you work in the garden, did not seem to be disturbed by the sudden avian flu. However, in the area, pausing a moment, still be able to feel the slightest panic brought by the H7N9 avian flu. "In the future do not run around to the 2nd floor to go!" A grandmother from Wuxi city, Area District 117 Building through it, her half bent close to the ear of the grandson said.
The Wuxi patients infected with the H7N9 avian influenza on the residence in the district 117 Building, 2nd Floor. "We are in the supermarket in the morning to buy food have heard that this patient originally lived in our neighborhood." Many owners living in the district, said to the reporter. Newspaper reporter after careful search, to find the address of residence of the patients, and people repeatedly knocked on the door there was no response. Close to a cell in the corridor next to the elevator disinfection insecticidal notice posted date is March 22. The area near a pharmacy owner told reporters: "In recent days some people to buy a disinfectant, very strange shop since nobody bought this thing for so many years."
On the afternoon of April 3, the reporter in the area of search and inquire alerted the property and neighborhood, the residential property staff told this reporter: "The foreign personnel shall not enter the cell." On the evening of April 3, the reporter learned from the Wuxi Municipal Health Bureau, infected with the H7N9 avian flu Zhang to leave home, now often ranked Wuxi search to living in the reporter of the district. Of the patients during the Spring Festival to go out history back to Wuxi after February 15 to go out, nor the history of contact with poultry, poultry farms and poultry deaths in the area in the vicinity of the place of residence.
Wuxi City Health Bureau, an official press release to the newspaper, March 27, Wuxi CDC sampling detection of Display Zhang influenza virus nucleic acid testing positive Wuxi People's Hospital ICU ward, transferred to the 28th. Further genotyping by the Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control, 31, identified as the H7N9 avian influenza virus nucleic acid positive. In accordance with the relevant requirements, the afternoon of April 2, the provincial Health Department organized experts, according to the clinical manifestations, laboratory testing and epidemiological findings, the diagnosis of the cases human infection confirmed cases of the H7N9 avian flu.
Since March 31, the CDC-conducted epidemiological surveys, respectively, went to the hospital and patients living epidemiological investigations, investigation of close contacts and possible source of infection. April 1, to strengthen the medical treatment of patients and hospital infection control. Strengthen disinfection and isolation ward for treatment hospital, personal protection of medical personnel, medical waste disposal nosocomial infection control measures, the municipal medical treatment expert group of cases consultation, the perfect treatment programs, to treat the patients, and improve the treatment success rate.
Investigation and the close contacts 43 have been implemented under medical observation. As of April 2, 21 to release medical observation, the remaining 22 are still under medical observation, no fever, cough and other symptoms.
-snip-
http://news.qq.com/a/20130404/000050.htm
Hong Kong Ministry of Health: The Alert Response Level under the Government's Preparedness Plan for Influenza Pandemic is activated #H7N9
April 3, 2013
Framework of Government’s Preparedness Plan for Influenza Pandemic
Hong Kong Government Response Systems
[Click on link to read the different levels of response, the Alert Response Level is the one that has been activated]:
Framework of Government’s Preparedness Plan for Influenza Pandemic
Hong Kong Government Response Systems
The Government’s plan includes a three-level response system (Alert Response
Level, Serious Response Level and Emergency Response Level).
These levels are based on different risk-graded epidemiological scenarios
relevant to Hong Kong, and each of them prescribes a given set of public
health actions required. They are designed to match with the World Health
Organization (WHO)’s guideline for pandemic influenza planning.
[Click on link to read the different levels of response, the Alert Response Level is the one that has been activated]:
Shanghai activates emergency action plan #H7N9
4/3/13
Excerpt:
Under the contingency plan, schools, hospitals and retirement facilities are to be on the alert for fevers, and administrators are to report to health authorities if there are more than five cases of flu in a week.
Cases of severe pneumonia with unclear causes are to be reported daily by hospitals to health bureaus, up from the weekly norm.
The plan also calls for stronger monitoring of people who work at poultry farms or are exposed to birds.
-snip-
The two Shanghai patients, aged 87 and 27, became ill in late February and died in early March. Both lived in Minhang District and had gone to the Shanghai No. 5 People's Hospital for treatment, but otherwise there was no connection.
-snip-
The 27-year-old was a pork dealer in a wet market.
Full article: http://english.eastday.com/e/130403/u1a7300654.html
Excerpt:
Under the contingency plan, schools, hospitals and retirement facilities are to be on the alert for fevers, and administrators are to report to health authorities if there are more than five cases of flu in a week.
Cases of severe pneumonia with unclear causes are to be reported daily by hospitals to health bureaus, up from the weekly norm.
The plan also calls for stronger monitoring of people who work at poultry farms or are exposed to birds.
-snip-
The two Shanghai patients, aged 87 and 27, became ill in late February and died in early March. Both lived in Minhang District and had gone to the Shanghai No. 5 People's Hospital for treatment, but otherwise there was no connection.
-snip-
The 27-year-old was a pork dealer in a wet market.
Full article: http://english.eastday.com/e/130403/u1a7300654.html
Frequently Asked Questions on human infection with A(H7N9) avian influenza virus, China
[This will be located on the right side-bar for future reference]
It is very important to further investigate the extent of the outbreak, the source of infection, the mode of transmission, the best clinical treatment and necessary prevention and control measures and to be vigilant so as to be able to identify additional cases should they appear.
• Enhanced surveillance;
• Reinforced case management and treatment;
• Epidemiological investigation and close contact tracing;
• Laboratory strengthening;
• Training of health care professionals and issuing of guidelines; and
• Enhanced communications.
These are the first reported cases of A(H7N9) in humans. That makes it a unique event, which the World Health Organization is taking seriously. WHO is working closely with the national authorities to better understand the situation. and will communicate important updates as they become available.
• Wash your hands often, especially: before, during, and after you prepare food; before you eat; after you use the toilet; after handling animals or animal waste; when your hands are dirty; and, more frequently, when someone in your home is sick.
• Hand hygiene is also necessary to prevent transmission in clinical settings to other patients and health care workers. Pathogens are removed by the mechanical action of hand washing. Alcohol disinfects (kills the pathogens).
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
• In environments where any highly pathogenic avian influenza virus may be present, hand hygiene, which includes hand washing and the use of alcohol-based hand rubs, is critical to prevent possible viral inoculation of the nose, mouth and conjunctiva by contaminated hands.
http://www.who.int/influenza/human_animal_interface/faq_H7N9/en/index.html
1. What is the concern about A(H7N9)?
Many influenza viruses are animal – porcine, avian or other species – viruses which normally do not cross the species barrier. The cases of A(H7N9) are of concern because these are the first reported cases of this avian influenza virus in humans. See Disease Outbreak News for updates.2. Can A(H7N9) avian influenza virus be transmitted from person to person?
At this point in time, there has been no evidence of human to human transmission among contacts of or between the confirmed cases. The ongoing investigation is exploring all the possible sources of infection, including the possibility of human-to-human transmission.It is very important to further investigate the extent of the outbreak, the source of infection, the mode of transmission, the best clinical treatment and necessary prevention and control measures and to be vigilant so as to be able to identify additional cases should they appear.
3. Is this infection related to more than 16,000 pig carcasses recently found dumped in rivers around Shanghai?
While the dead pigs were part of the overall investigation, there was no evidence of any connection.4. Is the general population at risk from the A(H7N9) avian influenza virus?
At this point in time, there has been no evidence of human to human transmission among contacts of or between the confirmed cases. The risk associated with A(H7N9) avian influenza virus to the general population in China and beyond is being investigated and will be shared to the public when information becomes available.5. What action has been taken? What support is WHO providing?
The Chinese government is responding to the event and has taken the following actions and measures:• Enhanced surveillance;
• Reinforced case management and treatment;
• Epidemiological investigation and close contact tracing;
• Laboratory strengthening;
• Training of health care professionals and issuing of guidelines; and
• Enhanced communications.
These are the first reported cases of A(H7N9) in humans. That makes it a unique event, which the World Health Organization is taking seriously. WHO is working closely with the national authorities to better understand the situation. and will communicate important updates as they become available.
6. How can individuals prevent A(H7N9) avian influenza infection?
Basic hygiene practices and food safety measures are prerequisites to prevent the transmission of many infectious diseases, including A(H7N9).• Wash your hands often, especially: before, during, and after you prepare food; before you eat; after you use the toilet; after handling animals or animal waste; when your hands are dirty; and, more frequently, when someone in your home is sick.
• Hand hygiene is also necessary to prevent transmission in clinical settings to other patients and health care workers. Pathogens are removed by the mechanical action of hand washing. Alcohol disinfects (kills the pathogens).
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
• In environments where any highly pathogenic avian influenza virus may be present, hand hygiene, which includes hand washing and the use of alcohol-based hand rubs, is critical to prevent possible viral inoculation of the nose, mouth and conjunctiva by contaminated hands.
http://www.who.int/influenza/human_animal_interface/faq_H7N9/en/index.html
#H7N9: Every Confirmed Case Still Alive Is In Critical Condition
[I searched for the condition of the remaining case in Zheijiang Province, Yang (67)M. He is in critical condition.]
Excerpt:
The Centers for Disease Control, said another diagnosed patients to Hangzhou, a 67-year-old male, retired unemployed, hospitalized with symptoms such as fever, cough, March 25; November 2, 2008, transferred to the Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, the 3rd diagnosed H7N9; close contact with a total of 58 people, were not found to have a fever or respiratory symptoms.
-snip-
CDC since March 31 have been released a total of nine cases of human infection with the H7N9 avian influenza virus cases, two cases are located in Shanghai, Anhui Province, one cases, 4 cases of Jiangsu Province, as well as Zhejiang Province, two cases which cases (two cases in Shanghai and Zhejiang Province, one cases) had died, and the remaining cases are in critical condition. Nine cases the age distribution of the 27-year-old to 87-year-old, known to a man-made pork vendors (dead) birds history of exposure to a person before the onset of a person engaged in live poultry slaughter, human chef.
http://times.hinet.net/news/life/12048184;jsessionid=5EDFBDCC1F7C3695BEEFE2BED5E7C584
Excerpt:
The Centers for Disease Control, said another diagnosed patients to Hangzhou, a 67-year-old male, retired unemployed, hospitalized with symptoms such as fever, cough, March 25; November 2, 2008, transferred to the Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, the 3rd diagnosed H7N9; close contact with a total of 58 people, were not found to have a fever or respiratory symptoms.
-snip-
CDC since March 31 have been released a total of nine cases of human infection with the H7N9 avian influenza virus cases, two cases are located in Shanghai, Anhui Province, one cases, 4 cases of Jiangsu Province, as well as Zhejiang Province, two cases which cases (two cases in Shanghai and Zhejiang Province, one cases) had died, and the remaining cases are in critical condition. Nine cases the age distribution of the 27-year-old to 87-year-old, known to a man-made pork vendors (dead) birds history of exposure to a person before the onset of a person engaged in live poultry slaughter, human chef.
http://times.hinet.net/news/life/12048184;jsessionid=5EDFBDCC1F7C3695BEEFE2BED5E7C584
Risk #H7N9 From Slaughtering Chicken, Virus Spreads Thru Respiratory sysems or close contact
2013-04-03
Chinese public have been advised against slaughtering poultry for ancestral worship on the upcoming Tomb-Sweeping Day as authorities strengthen H7N9 bird flu control efforts after three deaths of the newly-found strain that has not previously been detected in humans.
The Tomb-Sweeping Day that falls on Thursday will be an occasion to commemorate the dead, when traditionally some southern Chinese regions have the convention of killing poultry for ancestral worship.
Feng Zijian, director of the health emergency center of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reminded the public to take precautions against the virus in crowded places and not to contact poultry during the upcoming Tomb-Sweeping holiday on April 4-6.
Feng suggested the public not to contact birds or chickens during worship rituals so as to reduce the risk of contracting the H7N9.
Two infections of H7N9 avian influenza, involving one death, have been reported in east China's Zhejiang Province, bringing the total number of infected people in the country to nine.
Seven other H7N9 bird flu cases had been reported previously, two in Shanghai, one in Anhui and four in Jiangsu. The two in Shanghai died and the other five are in critical condition under treatment in Nanjing, capital of Jiangsu.
The World Health Organization reported the earlier cases on Monday.
LESS HARMFUL THAN SARS
Feng denied the possibility that the H7N9 could be developed into a public health incident like SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) 10 years ago, which claimed the lives of several hundred people on the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan, by being transmitted through humans.
"H7N9 is completely different from SARS, and those who had contact with the nine patients have no relevant symptoms," Feng said.
"No human-to-human transmission of H7N9 has been discovered and no epidemiological connection between these cases has been found so far," he said.
With enhanced monitoring, more H7N9 cases will be found in the future, Feng warned.
He also denied links between H7N9 and dead pigs retrieved from Shanghai rivers. "So far, no direct etiology evidence has been obtained from poultry and pigs, with investigations underway."
The National Health and Family Planning Commission has distributed detection reagent in the mainland's 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities to enhance monitoring of pneumonia of unknown factors.
The subtype of H7N9 virus has not been contracted to human beings before. It shows no signs of being highly contagious among humans, according to the clinical observation on the cases' close contacts.
However, as few cases of human infection of H7N9 have been found, relatively little research has been done on it. There are no vaccines against the H7N9 virus either at home or abroad.
"Usually a R&D phase of vaccines takes about six to eight months, and for newly found virus, it may take longer," Feng said, adding that national health authorities are currently conducting research on vaccines.
NATIONWIDE CONTROL
The national health commission also distributed prevention and control plans and technique directives to health institutions nationwide.
"Infection sources have not been clear so far, but based on past experience and recent epidemiological studies, the sources could be poultry or their secretion and excrement," according to the plan.
It says the spreading of the virus is through respiratory systems or by closely contact with poultry.
People at high risk are poultry raisers, sellers, butchers and meat processors, the plan says.
The national health commission asked various health institutions to report suspected and confirmed cases directly to the national commission within two hours, and any local epidemic situation should be reported on a daily basis.
The commission said in a circular that hospitals are prohibited to delay or refuse treatment of H7N9 contractors due to the patients' lack of money.
Authorities in Chinese regions have ordered health institutions to step up monitoring.
Zhejiang has initiated an emergency response for epidemics, and relevant departments have been asked to take precautionary action toward disease control.
Shanghai authorities has prohibited the sale of live poultry and wildfowl and enhanced monitoring of major poultry markets.
Beijing has ordered hospitals to include H7N9 bird flu testing in routine monitoring and to train hospital staff on how to treat pneumonia caused by unknown factors.
Health authorities in Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions have strengthened monitoring of suspected cases.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/china/2013-04/03/c_132283296.htm
Chinese public have been advised against slaughtering poultry for ancestral worship on the upcoming Tomb-Sweeping Day as authorities strengthen H7N9 bird flu control efforts after three deaths of the newly-found strain that has not previously been detected in humans.
The Tomb-Sweeping Day that falls on Thursday will be an occasion to commemorate the dead, when traditionally some southern Chinese regions have the convention of killing poultry for ancestral worship.
Feng Zijian, director of the health emergency center of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reminded the public to take precautions against the virus in crowded places and not to contact poultry during the upcoming Tomb-Sweeping holiday on April 4-6.
Feng suggested the public not to contact birds or chickens during worship rituals so as to reduce the risk of contracting the H7N9.
Two infections of H7N9 avian influenza, involving one death, have been reported in east China's Zhejiang Province, bringing the total number of infected people in the country to nine.
Seven other H7N9 bird flu cases had been reported previously, two in Shanghai, one in Anhui and four in Jiangsu. The two in Shanghai died and the other five are in critical condition under treatment in Nanjing, capital of Jiangsu.
The World Health Organization reported the earlier cases on Monday.
LESS HARMFUL THAN SARS
Feng denied the possibility that the H7N9 could be developed into a public health incident like SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) 10 years ago, which claimed the lives of several hundred people on the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan, by being transmitted through humans.
"H7N9 is completely different from SARS, and those who had contact with the nine patients have no relevant symptoms," Feng said.
"No human-to-human transmission of H7N9 has been discovered and no epidemiological connection between these cases has been found so far," he said.
With enhanced monitoring, more H7N9 cases will be found in the future, Feng warned.
He also denied links between H7N9 and dead pigs retrieved from Shanghai rivers. "So far, no direct etiology evidence has been obtained from poultry and pigs, with investigations underway."
The National Health and Family Planning Commission has distributed detection reagent in the mainland's 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities to enhance monitoring of pneumonia of unknown factors.
The subtype of H7N9 virus has not been contracted to human beings before. It shows no signs of being highly contagious among humans, according to the clinical observation on the cases' close contacts.
However, as few cases of human infection of H7N9 have been found, relatively little research has been done on it. There are no vaccines against the H7N9 virus either at home or abroad.
"Usually a R&D phase of vaccines takes about six to eight months, and for newly found virus, it may take longer," Feng said, adding that national health authorities are currently conducting research on vaccines.
NATIONWIDE CONTROL
The national health commission also distributed prevention and control plans and technique directives to health institutions nationwide.
"Infection sources have not been clear so far, but based on past experience and recent epidemiological studies, the sources could be poultry or their secretion and excrement," according to the plan.
It says the spreading of the virus is through respiratory systems or by closely contact with poultry.
People at high risk are poultry raisers, sellers, butchers and meat processors, the plan says.
The national health commission asked various health institutions to report suspected and confirmed cases directly to the national commission within two hours, and any local epidemic situation should be reported on a daily basis.
The commission said in a circular that hospitals are prohibited to delay or refuse treatment of H7N9 contractors due to the patients' lack of money.
Authorities in Chinese regions have ordered health institutions to step up monitoring.
Zhejiang has initiated an emergency response for epidemics, and relevant departments have been asked to take precautionary action toward disease control.
Shanghai authorities has prohibited the sale of live poultry and wildfowl and enhanced monitoring of major poultry markets.
Beijing has ordered hospitals to include H7N9 bird flu testing in routine monitoring and to train hospital staff on how to treat pneumonia caused by unknown factors.
Health authorities in Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions have strengthened monitoring of suspected cases.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/china/2013-04/03/c_132283296.htm
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