Giuseppe
Emeritus
[Source: World Health Organization, Western Pacific Regional Office, full page: (LINK). Edited.]
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WHO China Country Office A(H7N9) Updates
11 April 2013
WHO is closely monitoring the emergence of human infection with influenza A(H7N9). So far, the cases reported have been sporadic, and there is no evidence, at this stage, of sustained human-to-human transmission. It is expected that more cases may be identified.
The Chinese Government?s response has been swift and comprehensive. WHO and the National Health and Family Planning Commission are working very closely together.
During times of uncertainty, rumour and mis-information can spread quickly. WHO encourages people to please make sure any information they hear or pass on has been confirmed by the National Health and Family Planning Commission or WHO.
Even though H7N9 is not easily transmitted between people, WHO understands that people may be concerned and would like information about how to protect themselves and their family.
Poultry, poultry products (eggs) and pork can be safely consumed provided they are properly cooked and properly handled during food preparation. Influenza viruses are not transmitted through consuming well-cooked food as they are inactivated by normal temperatures used for cooking (food reaches 70?C in all parts? "piping" hot ? no "pink" parts).
It is safe to eat properly prepared and cooked meat, including from poultry and game birds.
Diseased animals and animals that have died of diseases should not be eaten.
It is prudent to follow basic hygienic practices to prevent infection, especially hand and respiratory hygiene measures.
Hand hygiene:
WHO does not advise special screening at points of entry with regard to this event, nor does it recommend that any travel or trade restrictions be applied.
For the latest official information, please refer WHO?s Disease Outbreak News (DON) at http://www.who.int/csr/don/en/index.html.
More information about H7N9 is available at: www.wpro.who.int/china <http://www.wpro.who.int/china>.
-11 April 2013
WHO is closely monitoring the emergence of human infection with influenza A(H7N9). So far, the cases reported have been sporadic, and there is no evidence, at this stage, of sustained human-to-human transmission. It is expected that more cases may be identified.
The Chinese Government?s response has been swift and comprehensive. WHO and the National Health and Family Planning Commission are working very closely together.
During times of uncertainty, rumour and mis-information can spread quickly. WHO encourages people to please make sure any information they hear or pass on has been confirmed by the National Health and Family Planning Commission or WHO.
Even though H7N9 is not easily transmitted between people, WHO understands that people may be concerned and would like information about how to protect themselves and their family.
Poultry, poultry products (eggs) and pork can be safely consumed provided they are properly cooked and properly handled during food preparation. Influenza viruses are not transmitted through consuming well-cooked food as they are inactivated by normal temperatures used for cooking (food reaches 70?C in all parts? "piping" hot ? no "pink" parts).
It is safe to eat properly prepared and cooked meat, including from poultry and game birds.
Diseased animals and animals that have died of diseases should not be eaten.
It is prudent to follow basic hygienic practices to prevent infection, especially hand and respiratory hygiene measures.
Hand hygiene:
- Wash your hands 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 when providing care when someone in your home is sick.
- Hand hygiene will also prevent the transmission of infections to yourself (from touching contaminated surfaces) and in hospitals to patients, health care workers and others.
- Wash your hands with soap and running water when visibly dirty; if not visibly dirty, wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand cleanser.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a medical mask, tissue, or a sleeve or flexed elbow when coughing or sneezing; throw the used tissue into a closed bin immediately after use; perform hand hygiene after contact with respiratory secretions.
WHO does not advise special screening at points of entry with regard to this event, nor does it recommend that any travel or trade restrictions be applied.
For the latest official information, please refer WHO?s Disease Outbreak News (DON) at http://www.who.int/csr/don/en/index.html.
More information about H7N9 is available at: www.wpro.who.int/china <http://www.wpro.who.int/china>.
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