Avian Influenza (Human) in China (Update)
16 Jan 2014
New cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus continue to be reported in China.
On 13 January 2014, the health authorities of China reported 6 new cases to WHO. The cases include 3 males and 3 females with 4 cases reported from Zhejiang province and 2 from Guangdong province. All 6 cases have a history of contact with poultry and 5 are reported to be in a critical condition.
As of 14 Jan 2014, a total of 172 human cases of avian influenza A(H7N9) have been confirmed in China: Zhejiang (62), Shanghai (36), Jiangsu (30), Guangdong (16), Fujian (7), Jiangxi (6), Anhui (4), Henan (4), Beijing (2), Hunan (2 cases), Shandong (2), and Hebei (one case).
Advice for Travellers
Avian influenza virus (H7N9) infection is unusual in humans but appears to cause severe illness in those infected. Preventive measures are the same as those for highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5N1).