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More H7N9 cases reported in China
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Chinese health officials reported three additional cases of avian influenza A(H7N9) infection and the death of a previously reported case, according to WHO.
To date, there has been no evidence of human-to-human transmission of the virus.
The newest cases include a 62-year-old man from Guangdong province who was exposed to live poultry. He became ill Dec. 11 and was admitted to the hospital Dec. 16. He is currently in critical condition. The second patient is a 38-year-old man from Guangdong province who became ill Dec. 9 and was hospitalized Dec. 18. He also is in critical condition.
WHO also announced Tuesday that an 86-year-old man traveling with a tourist group from Jiangsu, China, to Taiwan, province of China, became ill Dec. 19. The patient was admitted to the hospital Dec. 24 after being diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome. The other members of his tour returned home with the exception of his two daughters, who showed no symptoms of infection.
Additionally, Chinese health officials reported the death of an 80-year-old man who became ill while hospitalized for a pre-existing medical condition. He died Dec. 26 in Hong Kong.
According to WHO, the Chinese government is taking several steps to prevent further transmission of the virus, including strengthening surveillance, conducting scientific studies of cases of infection and releasing information to the public about the risks associated with H7N9.
–Updated January 7, 2014