At this time, there are no cases of avian flu H7N9 outside of
China. Human infections are uncommon and have
typcially followed exposure to infected poultry. There is no
present evidence to support person-to-person spread of the H7N9
virus. However, influenza viruses constantly change and it’s
possible that this virus could become able to easily and
sustainably spread between people. The outbreak of the H7N9 virus
is being closely monitored internationally.
A study by CDC and China CDC has identified specific risk factors
and exposure risks for human infections with the avian influenza
A (H7N9) virus. Key findings showed that exposure to poultry in
live bird markets was the primary source of H7N9 infections among
people in China. Merely being in a location with poultry was
significantly associated with increased risk of H7N9 infection.
Many cases were only exposed to a market once in the period when
they were likely infected. However, raising poultry at home
and consumption of poultry were not associated with an increased
risk of H7N9 illness. Underlying health conditions that were
significantly associated with H7N9 infections in China included
obesity, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and being
on immunosuppressive medications.
This study was conducted from April to June 2013 in eight Chinese
provinces and used a case-control design. Researchers analyzed
data from 89 patients with laboratory-confirmed H7N9 infection
and 339 controls. Controls were people in China that were matched
to cases by age, sex and neighborhood.
A new bird flu strain that has killed 22 people in China is “one
of the most lethal” of its kind and transmits more easily to
humans than another strain that has killed hundreds since 2003, a
World Health Organization (WHO) expert said on Wednesday.
The H7N9 flu has infected 108 people in China since it was first
detected in March, according to the Geneva-based WHO.
Although it is not clear exactly how people are being infected,
experts say they see no evidence so far of the most worrisome
scenario – sustained transmission between people.
An international team of scientists led by the WHO and the
Chinese government conducted a five-day investigation in China,
but said they were no closer to determining whether the virus
might become transmissible between people.
Flu is in the headlines again. On April 1, the World Health
Organization (WHO) first reported 3 human infections with a new
influenza A (H7N9) virus in China. Since then, additional cases
have been reported.
Most of the people reportedly infected have had severe
respiratory illness and, in some cases, have
died. Fortunately, there are currently no reported cases of
H7N9 in the U.S. or anywhere outside of China.
The CDC is following this situation closely and is coordinating
with domestic and international partners to take routine
preparedness steps
BEIJING, 24 APRIL 2013 – A team of international and Chinese
experts has completed its mission to visit Shanghai and Beijing
and assess the avian influenza A (H7N9) situation, and to make
recommendations to the National Health and Family Planning
Commission (NHFPC).
The team, which is jointly led by NHFPC and WHO, is comprised of
international and Chinese experts in epidemiology, virology,
clinical management, public health, and health policy. The
purpose of the mission was to assess H7N9 situation and to
provide recommendations.
This interim guidance provides recommendations for initial
infection control in healthcare settings for confirmed, probable,
or cases under investigation of avian influenza A (H7N9) virus
infection.
As you know, at the invitation of the China National Health and
Family Planning Commission (NHFPC), a joint team of domestic and
international experts convened by the World Health Organization
were asked to assess the H7N9 situation in China and provide
recommendations on the prevention and control of the disease.
The team, which is jointly led by NHFPC and WHO, is comprised of
international and Chinese influenza experts in epidemiology,
virology, clinical management, and other areas related to
influenza.
During 19-23 April, we visited laboratories, hospitals, clinics,
markets, and affected areas in Shanghai and had discussion with
staff and experts from both Beijing and Shanghai. We had open and
direct exchanges and discussions with our counterparts in Beijing
and Shanghai. We would like to share some of our findings today.
