H7N9 Cases January 29, 2014 (confirmed cases: 7, confirmed deaths: 1) (suspected cases: 0, suspected deaths:0)

[Biological]

January 28 thread here.


JZhejiang Province, three new cases of human infection of bird flu H7N9

Release date :2014-01-29 Source: Ministry of Health and Family Planning Commission Views: 8

January 29, 2014

Zhejiang Provincial Health and Family Planning Commission January 29 briefing, the province today added three cases of human infection with H7N9 avian influenza.

1, patients Moumou, male, farmer, aged 37, Wencheng County of Wenzhou. January 28 confirmed human cases of avian influenza H7N9 infection. Is now in critical condition at a hospital in Wenzhou treatment.

2, patients Zhu Moumou, male, individuals, aged 60, Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou people. January 28 confirmed human cases of avian influenza H7N9 infection. Now the condition is severe, treatment in a hospital in Hangzhou.

3, the patient Gu Moumou, male, retired, 63 years old, Hangzhou City people. January 28 confirmed human cases of avian influenza H7N9 infection. Now the condition is severe, treatment in a hospital in Hangzhou.

http://www.zjwst.gov.cn/art/2014/1/29/art_362_407455.html

[Giuseppe]

Zhejiang Province, three new cases of human infection with H7N9 bird flu virus (DoH, January 29 2014, edited)

[Source: Zhejiang Province Department of Health, full page in Chinese: (LINK). Automatic translation.]


Zhejiang Province, three new cases of human infection with H7N9 bird flu virus

Release date :2014-01-29 / Source: Ministry of Health and Family Planning Commission


Zhejiang Provincial Health and Family Planning Commission January 29 briefing, the province today added three cases of human infection with H7N9 avian influenza.

The first patient is a male, farmer, aged 37, Wencheng County of Wenzhou. Confirmed on January 28, now in critical condition at a hospital in Wenzhou.

The second patient is a male, aged 60, Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou. Confirmed on January 28, in severe condition, treatment in a hospital in Hangzhou.

The third patient is a male, retired, 63 years old, Hangzhou City. Confirmed on January 28, in severe condition, treatment in a hospital in Hangzhou.


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[Biological]

Guangdong Province added one case of human infection of bird flu H7N9 29 January 2014

Province added one case of human infection of bird flu H7N9

2014-01-29 15:22:58 Ministry of Health and Family Planning Commission | Views ( 83 )

Health and Family Planning Commission of Guangdong Province on January 29 briefing, the Guangzhou new case of human infection of H7N9 avian influenza.

Patients Zhang, male, 17 years old, high school student, who now lives in Tianhe District, Huangpu Road Street Village Street. January 29 confirmed cases of human infection of H7N9 avian influenza, the patient's condition is currently stable in Guangzhou City, the designated hospital admission.

http://www.gdwst.gov.cn/a/zwxw/2014012911296.html

[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong confirmed one new human infection with H7N9 avian influenza virus (Ifeng, January 29 2014, edited)

[Source: Centre for Health Protection, Hong Kong PRC SAR, full page: (LINK).]


Confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Hong Kong under CHP investigation


The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (January 29) investigating a confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Hong Kong affecting a man aged 75.

The patient, with multiple underlying illnesses, lived in Tin Shui Wai. He developed cough with sputum in Shenzhen on January 26 and attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) last night (January 28) for fever and shortness of breath. He was subsequently transferred to the isolation ward. His condition deteriorated and he passed away this morning.

His nasopharyngeal aspirate was positive for avian influenza A(H7) virus upon preliminary laboratory testing by TMH and was confirmed as H7N9 upon further testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.

Initial epidemiological investigations by the CHP revealed that the patient had travelled alone to Baoan, Shenzhen, from January 20 to 26 and had stayed in his relative's residence close to a live poultry market.

The patient's five home contacts in Hong Kong (regarded as close contacts) have remained asymptomatic. They will be admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital for testing and observation.

Further investigations into his travel and exposure history are ongoing, in parallel with tracing of other contacts of the patient, including four patients who stayed in the same cubicle with the patient in TMH, healthcare workers of TMH and the ambulance service, who will be put under medical surveillance.

The CHP will liaise with relevant Mainland health authority to follow-up the patient's contacts during his stay in Shenzhen.

The case has been referred to the Coroner for investigation.

"The Serious Response Level under the Government's Preparedness Plan for Influenza Pandemic remains activated and the CHP's follow-up actions are in full swing," a spokesman for the DH remarked.

This is the fourth confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Hong Kong. The CHP will notify the World Health Organization (WHO), the National Health and Family Planning Commission as well as health and quarantine authorities of Guangdong and Macao.

Locally, enhanced surveillance of suspected cases in public and private hospitals is underway. The CHP will continue to maintain liaison with the WHO, the Mainland and overseas health authorities to monitor the latest developments. Local surveillance activities will be modified upon the WHO's recommendations.

"In view of human cases of avian influenza A(H7N9) confirmed in Hong Kong and multiple cases reported in the Mainland, the activity of the virus is expected to be higher in the winter season. Those planning to travel outside Hong Kong during Lunar New Year should maintain good personal, environmental and food hygiene at all times," the spokesman urged.

"All boundary control points have implemented disease prevention and control measures. Thermal imaging systems are in place for body temperature checks of inbound travellers. Random temperature checks by handheld devices have also been arranged. Suspected cases will be immediately referred to public hospitals for follow-up investigation," the spokesman added.

Regarding health education for travellers, distribution of pamphlets, display of posters in departure and arrival halls, in-flight public announcements, environmental health inspection and provision of regular updates to the travel industry via meetings and correspondence are all proceeding.

The spokesman advised travellers, especially those returning from avian influenza-affected areas and provinces with fever or respiratory symptoms, to immediately wear masks, seek medical attention and reveal their travel history to doctors. Healthcare professionals should pay special attention to patients who might have had contact with poultry, birds or their droppings in affected areas and provinces.

"We have enhanced publicity and health education to reinforce health advice on the prevention of avian influenza," the spokesman said.

As of 4pm today, the CHP's hotline (2125 1111) for public enquiries have received 151 calls since the first confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Hong Kong.

Members of the public should remain vigilant and take heed of the preventive advice against avian influenza below:

• Do not visit live poultry markets. Avoid contact with poultry, birds and their droppings. If contact has been made, thoroughly wash hands with soap;
• Poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before eating;
• Wash hands frequently with soap, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes, handling food or eating; after going to the toilet or touching public installations or equipment (including escalator handrails, elevator control panels and door knobs); or when hands are dirtied by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing;
• Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, hold the spit with a tissue and put it into a covered dustbin;
• Avoid crowded places and contact with fever patients; and
• Wear masks when respiratory symptoms develop or when taking care of fever patients.

The public may visit the CHP's avian influenza page (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/24244.html ) and website (www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/global_statistics_avian_influenza_e.pdf ) for more information on avian influenza-affected areas and provinces.


Ends/Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Issued at HKT 17:31
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[sharon sanders]

Re: Fujian Province 2-year-old boy infected with H7N9 avian flu

Fujian Province, one case of human infection with the H7N9 new bird flu cases
Time :2014-01-29 font: big middle small default read: 194 times
Health and Family Planning Commission of Fujian Province 29 days notification, the province 29 Nisshin diagnosed a case of human infection with H7N9 avian influenza.
Patients Moumou, male, 2 Suiyu, now living Xiang'an District. Currently patients with mild disease, in recovery, isolation and treatment at a hospital in Xiamen. The case for the province routine influenza surveillance sentinel hospitals found cases. (Emergency Management Office)

http://www.fjphb.gov.cn/show.aspx?ctlgid=246246&Id=90164

[Story]

Re: H7N9 Cases January 29, 2014 (confirmed cases: 6, confirmed deaths: 1) (suspected cases: 0, suspected deaths:0)

Thanks Story! We have a thread on this subject:

Zhejiang Province is investigating a family cluster of H7N9 bird flu virus infections



Beijing confirmed for the first time that the H7N9 bird flu has spread from person to person, but for now there appears to be no threat of a major epidemic.

Limited human-to-human infection of avian influenza of the H7N9 strain occurred in the eastern Chinese province of Zhejiang, the state-run Xinhua News Agency said Jan. 27.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/asia/china/AJ201401290063

[sharon sanders]

Re: Guangxi confirmed one case of human infection with H7N9 avian flu virus (Ifeng, January 29 2014)

From health department:


Guangxi confirmed one case of human infection with the H7N9 avian flu
Time :2014-01-29 21:52 Source: Office of News Views: 231
January 28, 2014, Hezhou report one case of severe acute respiratory infections, at 21:30 on the 29th, the autonomous regional Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, China CDC and testing and review, the nucleic acid sample results were positive for H7N9. The regional health department expert group of patients based on the history of epidemiology, clinical manifestations and laboratory test results to determine human infection of H7N9 avian flu, which is the first case of human infection with the H7N9 Guangxi confirmed bird flu cases.

Patients Su Moumou, female, 56 years old, a farmer living in the town Lingfeng Hezhou Babu District. Patients with fever, cough six days, shortness of breath increased one day, worked in two private clinics, no improvement after the 27th to Lingfeng hospitals for treatment, hospital doctors consider the patient's condition serious immediately be transferred to the People's Hospital of Hezhou treatment. Currently, patients in the ICU rescue Hezhou People's Hospital in a critical condition. Autonomous medical expert group is being organized to rescue. The epidemiological investigation of live poultry before the onset of patient exposure history. The case of the 19 who have been in close contact with medical observation to take timely measures, has not yet found an exception.

Expert Tip: human infection with H7N9 avian influenza, preventable, controllable and treatable, the masses to achieve the "Fifth": To ground ventilation , to wash their hands, cover mouth to cough, sneeze to their noses, once the fever, cough such as acute respiratory infection symptoms, to timely medical treatment; to do "three not": Do not eat sick (dead) birds, do not touch sick (dead) bird droppings , do not buy without quarantine certificates for poultry.

http://www.gxws.gov.cn/wskx/2014/0129/3988.html

[Biological]

H7N9 Cases January 29, 2014 (confirmed cases: 7, confirmed deaths: 1) (suspected cases: 0, suspected deaths:0)

Tuen Mun Hospital response to media enquiries on confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9)

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

In response to media enquiries on a confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9), the Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) spokesman gave the following reply today (January 29):

A 75-year-old patient with heart disease and other chronic illnesses was sent by ambulance to the Accident and Emergency Department (AED) of TMH at about 9pm yesterday (January 28) for chest pain, shortness of breath and cough. The patient claimed that he had stayed in Shenzhen between January 20 and 26 and had no history of contact with live poultry.

Preliminary examination by AED medical staff found that the patient showed signs of heart failure, fever and pneumonia. The patient was then transferred to a medical ward for follow-up treatment. Physicians subsequently admitted the patient to an isolation ward as further examination indicated that the patient had severe pneumonia apart from the cardiac condition. The hospital also arranged an influenza test for the patient.

The patient's vital signs were stable in the isolation ward. He was prescribed broad-spectrum antibiotics. His condition deteriorated at about 6am this morning and he finally succumbed around 8am. The hospital has referred the case to the Coroner for follow up. Preliminary laboratory results available this afternoon were positive to H7. The results were later confirmed by the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health.

The hospital has introduced enhanced cleaning of the related wards and will work closely with the Centre for Health Protection in contact tracing.


Ends/Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Issued at HKT 19:42

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http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201401/29/P201401290649.htm

[Biological]

Re: CHP- A(H7N9), the Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) spokesman gave the following reply today (January 29):

29/01/2014: China, Hong Kong SAR - Influenza - Avian
29 January 2014, 11:50:10
Confirmed Influenza - Avian in Adm.Unit N.A., for human

GENERAL INFO
Disease Event ID: 182591
Reporting date: 29/01/2014
Observation date: 26/01/2014

LOCATION
Region: Asia
Admin 1 (Country): Administrative unit not available (China, Hong Kong SAR)
Locality: Tin Shui Wai
Lat/Long: 22.461247/114.004097
Quality of Coordinates: Unknown

DISEASE
Status: Confirmed
DISEASE: Influenza - Avian
Serotype: H7N9 LPAI
Source: National authorities

SPECIES AFFECTED
An.Type..
An.Class..
Species ...
At Risk..
Cases..
Deaths..
Destroyed..
Slaughtered..

LABORATORIES
Disease Tested:..
Species: ...
Test: ...
Result:..
Result Date:..

http://empres-i.fao.org/empres-i/2/obd?idOutbreak=182591&rss=t

[Giuseppe]

Re: CHP- A(H7N9), the Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) spokesman gave the following reply today (January 29):

29/01/2014: China, Hong Kong SAR - Influenza - Avian
29 January 2014, 11:50:10
Confirmed Influenza - Avian in Adm.Unit N.A., for human

GENERAL INFO
Disease Event ID: 182591
Reporting date: 29/01/2014
Observation date: 26/01/2014

LOCATION
Region: Asia
Admin 1 (Country): Administrative unit not available (China, Hong Kong SAR)
Locality: Tin Shui Wai
Lat/Long: 22.461247/114.004097
Quality of Coordinates: Unknown

DISEASE
Status: Confirmed
DISEASE: Influenza - Avian
Serotype: H7N9 LPAI
Source: National authorities

SPECIES AFFECTED
An.Type..
An.Class..
Species ...
At Risk..
Cases..
Deaths..
Destroyed..
Slaughtered..

LABORATORIES
Disease Tested:..
Species: ...
Test: ...
Result:..
Result Date:..

http://empres-i.fao.org/empres-i/2/o...k=182591&rss=t

Is it the same case reported today by CHP? I think it is.

<HR style="COLOR: #cccccc; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #cccccc" SIZE=1> <!-- / icon and title --><!-- message -->
[Source: Centre for Health Protection, Hong Kong PRC SAR, full page: (LINK).]


Confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Hong Kong under CHP investigation


The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (January 29) investigating a confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Hong Kong affecting a man aged 75.

The patient, with multiple underlying illnesses, lived in Tin Shui Wai. He developed cough with sputum in Shenzhen on January 26 and attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) last night (January 28) for fever and shortness of breath. He was subsequently transferred to the isolation ward. His condition deteriorated and he passed away this morning.

(...)

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[Biological]

Re: H7N9 Cases January 29, 2014 (confirmed cases: 7, confirmed deaths: 1) (suspected cases: 0, suspected deaths:0)

Fujian people infected with H7N9 bird flu cases to 11 cases
January 29, 2014 19:53:13 Source: China News Network

China news agency, Fuzhou, January 29 (Lin Chunyin) - Fujian Provincial Health and Family Planning Commission (referred to as "Guardian Planning Commission") on the 29th informed that the province added one case of human infection with H7N9 avian influenza, the patient's condition is currently mild, in recovery.

So far, Fujian people infected with H7N9 bird flu cases to 11 cases. In this regard, Fujian Wei Planning Commission said that the current situation is not optimistic about the province's epidemic prevention and control, the need to strictly implement source control measures.

Fujian day of notification of the names of cases diagnosed as a two year old boy surnamed Chen, now living Xiang'an District, currently mild disease, in recovery, isolation and treatment at a hospital in Xiamen.

The case is in Fujian Province sentinel hospitals found in routine influenza surveillance, also 11 cases of diagnosed cases in Fujian this year the young age of most persons.

A time when the Chinese traditional Spring Festival, Fujian Province, people infected with avian influenza H7N9 leading group and visited more than 28 cases of disease control experts are concentrated in Quanzhou, in conjunction with local health, agriculture, forestry, industry and commerce, transportation and other departments jointly joint prevention and control work.

Fujian Province, people infected with H7N9 avian influenza Leading Group Office, Nguyen province poem Wei Wei, deputy director of the Planning Commission, said the upcoming Spring Festival, the flow volume of the population, poultry trading needs more epidemic prevention and control situation is not optimistic, the need to implement the various departments linkage the source control measures.

Fujian Province, Wei Planning Commission therefore requested to strictly implement the live animal markets around the cleaning, disinfection and closed measures; norms fever clinics and pre-triage system to submit timely and accurate information on the epidemic; emphasis on combination therapy, strengthening personnel training, enrichment treatment facilities, reducing the maximum force deaths; to strengthen emergency duty, arrange prevention and treatment of patients with good during the Spring Festival. (End)

http://news.66wz.com/system/2014/01/29/103983111.shtml

[tetano]

H7N9 Cases January 29, 2014 (confirmed cases: 7, confirmed deaths: 1) (suspected cases: 0, suspected deaths:0)

31 January 2014 - On 29 January 2014, the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) of China, and the Centre for Health Protection (CHP), Hong Kong SAR, China notified WHO of six additional laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus including one death.

All of the six cases are males. The age range is 2 to 63 years old. The cases are reported from Fujian (1), Guangdong (1), Hong Kong SAR (1), and Zhejiang (3). Four of the cases are currently in critical or serious condition. Four of the cases are reported to have had exposure to poultry or a live poultry market.

Details of the five additional cases as notified by NHFPC of China:

A 37-year-old farmer from Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, who became ill on 19 January. He was admitted to hospital on 27 January and was transferred to another hospital on 28 January. He is currently in a critical condition. The patient has a history of exposure to a live poultry market.
A 60-year-old man from Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, who became ill on 23 January. He was admitted to hospital on 28 January and is currently in a serious condition. The patient has a history of exposure to poultry.
A 63-year-old man from Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, who became ill on 24 January. He was admitted to hospital on 27 January and is currently in a serious condition. He has a history of exposure to a live poultry market.
A 2-year-and-8-month old boy from Xiamen City, Fujian Province, who became ill on 26 January. He was admitted to hospital on 28 January and has a mild illness. His family slaughter and sell ducks.
A 17-year-old man from Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, who became ill on 22 January. He was admitted to hospital on 27 January and is currently in a serious condition.

Details of the case as notified by the CHP, Hong Kong SAR:

A 75-year-old man with underlying illnesses who travelled alone to Shenzhen between 20 to 26 January became ill while in Shenzhen on 26 January. He was admitted to hospital in Hong Kong on 28 January and died on 29 January. During his stay in Shenzhen it is reported that he stayed with relatives who lived close to a live poultry market. His five home contacts in Hong Kong have remained asymptomatic but have been admitted to hospital for observation. Further investigations into the man?s travel and exposure histories are ongoing, in parallel with tracing of other contacts of the case, including four patients with whom he shared a hospital room, and healthcare and ambulance staff. Preliminary findings suggest that the man was infected outside of Hong Kong SAR.

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.

Sporadic human cases

While the recent report of avian influenza A(H7N9) virus being detected in live poultry imported from the mainland to Hong Kong SAR, shows the potential for the virus to spread through live poultry, at this time there is no indication that international spread of avian influenza A(H7N9) has occurred through humans or animals.

Further sporadic human cases of A(H7N9) infection are expected in affected and possibly neighbouring areas, especially given expected increases in the trade and transport of poultry associated with the upcoming Lunar New Year.
WHO advice

WHO advises that travellers 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 faeces from poultry or other animals. Travellers should also wash their hands often with soap and water. Travellers 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.

Current technical information as well as guidance related to avian influenza A(H7N9) can be found at the WHO web site:

WHO Avian influenza A(H7N9) virus web site
Human infections with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus
pdf, 194kb
21 January 2014
World - Avian influenza in humans
Reducing the risk of influenza virus transmission from animals

http://www.who.int/csr/don/2014_01_31/en/index.html

[Giuseppe]

H7N9 Cases January 29, 2014 (confirmed cases: 7, confirmed deaths: 1) (suspected cases: 0, suspected deaths:0)

[Source: World Health Organization, full page: (LINK). Edited.]


Human infection with avian influence A(H7N9) ? update

1 February 2014


On 30 January 2014, the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) of China notified WHO of seven additional laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus including one death.

Of these seven cases, four are male. The age range is 56 to 78 years old. The cases have been reported from Guangdong (1), Guangxi (1), Jiangsu (1) and Zhejiang (4).

For Guangxi Province, this is the first laboratory confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9). Six of the cases are currently in critical or serious condition. Seven of the cases are reported to have had exposure to poultry or a live poultry market.

Details of the cases notified by NHFPC are as follows:

• a 75-year-old farmer from Ningpo City, Zhejiang Province, who became ill on 21 January and was admitted to hospital on 24 January. He is currently in a critical condition The patient has a history of exposure to a live poultry market.
• A 76 year-old man from Ningpo City, Zhejiang Province, who became ill on 21 January 2014 and was admitted to hospital on 24 January and transferred to another hospital on 27 January. He is currently in a critical condition. He has a history of exposure to a poultry market.
• A 78-year-old farmer from Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, who became ill on 25 January and was admitted to hospital on 27 January and transferred to another hospital on 29 January. He is currently in a critical condition. The patient has a history of exposure to a live poultry market.
• A 64-year-old man from Ningpo City, Zhejiang Province, who became ill on 13 January and was admitted to hospital on 16 January. He is currently in a critical condition. The patient has a history of exposure to a live poultry market.
• A 75-year-old woman from Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province, who became ill on 18 January and was admitted to hospital on 25 January. She is currently in a critical condition. The patient has a history of exposure to a live poultry market.
• A 67-year-old woman from Jiangmen City, Guangdong Province, who became ill on 24 January and was admitted to hospital on 25 January. She died on 28 January 2014. The patient had a history of exposure to live poultry.
• A 56 year-old woman from Hezhou City, Guangxi Province, who became ill on 20 January and was admitted to hospital on 27 January. She is currently in a critical condition. The patient has a history of exposure to a live poultry market.

The Chinese Government continues to take the following surveillance and control measures:

1. Strengthen surveillance and situation analysis;
2. Reinforce case management and treatment;
3. Conduct risk communication with the public and release information;
4. Strengthen international collaboration and communication;
5. Conduct scientific studies.

While the recent report of avian influenza A(H7N9) virus being detected in live poultry imported from the mainland to Hong Kong SAR, shows the potential for the virus to spread through live poultry, at this time there is no indication that international spread of avian influenza A(H7N9) has occurred through humans or animals.

Further sporadic human cases of avian influenza A(H7N9) infection are expected in affected and possibly neighbouring areas, especially given expected increases in the trade and transport of poultry associated with the upcoming Lunar New Year.

WHO advises that travellers 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 faeces from poultry or other animals. Travellers should also wash their hands often with soap and water (http://www.who.int/ith/updates/20140123/en/index.html).

Travellers should follow good food safety and good food hygiene practices(http://www.who.int/foodsafety/fs_management/live_markets/en/index.html)

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.

Current technical information as well as guidance related to avian influenza A(H7N9) can be found at the WHO website:

• WHO Avian influenza A(H7N9) virus website http://www.who.int/influenza/human_animal_interface/influenza_h7n9/en/
• WHO Risk Assessment: Human infections with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus, 21 January 2014 http://www.who.int/influenza/human_animal_interface/RiskAssessment_H7N9_21Jan14.pdf

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