Since 31 March 2013, one hundred and twelve (112) cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus have been reported from eight provinces in eastern China. Onset of disease has been between 19 February and 18 April 2013 in: Zhejiang (44), Shanghai (33), Jiangsu (24), Henan (4), Anhui (4), Beijing (1), Shandong (1) and Taiwan (1). The date of disease onset is currently unknown for fourteen patients.
Most cases have developed severe respiratory disease. Twenty three patients have died (case-fatality ratio=21%). The median age is 62 years with a range between 4 and 91 years; 33 out of 112 patients are female.
The Chinese health authorities are responding to this public health event by enhanced surveillance, epidemiological and laboratory investigation and contact tracing. The animal health sector has intensified investigations into the possible sources and reservoirs of the virus. The authorities reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) that avian influenza A(H7N9) was detected in samples from pigeons, chickens and ducks, and in environmental samples from live bird markets (‘wet markets’) in Shanghai, Jiangsu, Anhui and Zhejiang provinces. Authorities have closed markets and culled poultry in affected areas.


You must be logged in to post a comment.