Additional H7N9 cases reported in China

Eight additional laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza A(H7N9)have been reported in China, according to WHO.

To date, there have been 378 H7N9 cases, including 67 fatalities. So far, the virus has affected people in mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Malaysia, although there have been no reports of locally acquired H7N9 infections outside of mainland China.

The eight additional H7N9 cases are confirmed in patients aged 2 to 65 years — three from Zhejiang Province, two from Hunan Province, and one each from Guangdong Province, Jinagsu Province, and Guangxi Province. The patients’ conditions range from mild to severe. All of the cases had contact with poultry.

According to WHO, detection of H7N9 in other countries outside of China is expected, but the risk for spreading the disease is low because there has been no been no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission.

“WHO advises that travelers to countries with known outbreaks of avian influenza should avoid poultry farms or contact with animals in live bird markets, or entering areas where poultry may be slaughtered, or contact with any surfaces that appear to be contaminated with feces from poultry or other animals,” WHO officials said in a press release. “Travelers should also wash their hands often with soap and water. Travelers should follow good safety and good food hygiene practices.”