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Avian Influenza (H7N9) (Human) in China (Update)

16 Apr 2015

On 10 March 2015, the Chinese National Health and Family Planning Commission notified WHO of 20 new laboratory-confirmed cases (including 4 deaths) of human infection with avian influenza A (H7N9). 

Date of onset ranged between 14 Feb-21 Mar 2015. The majority of cases (18, 90%) reported exposure to live poultry or live poultry markets.

Cases were reported from nine provinces: Anhui (3), Fujian (2), Guangdong (4), Shandong (1), and Zhejiang (10).

The Chinese government is continuing to take steps to strengthen surveillance, reinforce case management and medical treatment and inform and communicate risk with the public.

WHO anticipates further sporadic human cases of avian influenza A(H7N9) infection in affected and possibly neighbouring areas and that human cases who travel internationally from affected areas, may have their infection detected in another country during or after arrival. However, if this did occur, community level spread is considered unlikely as the virus does not appear to have the ability to transmit easily among humans.

Advice for Travellers

Travellers experiencing severe flu like symptoms within 10 days of returning from China, should contact their GP and inform them of their recent travel to China.