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Avian Influenza (Human) in China (Update)

25 April 2013

As of 23 April 2013, the National Health and Family Planning Commission notified WHO of an additional 4 laboratory confirmed cases of human infection with influenza A(H7N9) virus.

The cases are all male with 2 in Zhejiang province, one in Anhui province and one in Shandong province.

To date, a total of 108 laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus in China, including 22 deaths, have been reported to WHO. Contacts of the confirmed cases are being closely monitored. National authorities continue to implement prevention and control measures. At this time there is no evidence of ongoing human-to-human transmission.

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. 

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).

Advice for Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare professionals should be on the alert for travellers returning from China with fever plus respiratory syptoms or any other severe illness or travellers who develop such illness within 7 days of return from China.

WHO is producing a weekly report on the number of reported confirmed human cases for influenza A(H7N9), giving the geographical location and cumulative number of cases reported per month.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) also publishes a daily Epidemiological Update on avian influenza A(H7N9) virus in China.