China: 19 more H7N9 cases

Chinese health officials confirmed 19 additional cases of human infection with influenza A(H7N9) virus since Jan. 25.

To date, there have been a total of 238 confirmed H7N9 cases, including 55 deaths, according to WHO.

The most recent cases occurred in patients aged 23 to 82 years and were reported from Fujian, Guangdong, Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces. Most patients reported exposure to poultry, and they all remain in serious to critical condition. Another case, a 58-year-old man who had been exposed to poultry, was reported from Beijing. He became ill Jan. 12 and was hospitalized Jan. 16. He is currently in critical condition.

According to WHO, the source of the infection is still unclear, but there has been no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission of H7N9.

The Chinese government has taken several steps to limit H7N9 transmission, including strengthening surveillance, reinforcing case management and treatment and increasing public awareness of the risks associated with infection.

Recently, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations warned neighboring countries of China to remain alert.

“Chinese authorities are enforcing important measures to reduce the risk of human exposure to [H7N9],” Juan Lubroth, DVM, PhD, chief veterinary officer of the FAO, said in a press release. “This includes temporary closures of live bird markets, regular market rest days, improved hygiene in markets, heightened and ongoing surveillance in poultry and live bird market environments, and control of poultry movements. But countries need to stay alert, as the virus continues to circulate in poultry without showing any visible clinical signs. The risk to humans remains, especially over the next few months and particularly during Chinese New Year’s holiday period.”