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Sunday, March 31, 2013

The world's first human-to-human transmission of H7N9 avian flu in Anhui dead a crisis now


The world's first human-to-human transmission of H7N9 avian flu in Anhui dead a crisis now

First identified human infection with the H7N9 avian flu cases in the world .National Health and Family Planning Commission informed yesterday (March 31), Shanghai City and Anhui Province, found three cases of human infection with the H7N9 avian flu cases. Two patients died, Anhui Ji patients in critical condition, Nanjing stay in the hospital for rescue. But informed sources, the TheShanghai total of four patients died, including a father and son from the same family. The experts pointed out that there is no targeted vaccine, no obvious indication that the virus with human-to-human transmission capacity.
Hong Kong Wen Wei Po reported, a notification from the National Health Committee, said Shanghai Municipal patients Lee, 87 years old, 19 February onset actively rescue died March 4. Patients Wu, Shanghai City, 27 years old, the incidence February 27, to actively rescue died on March 10. Patients Chuzhou City, Anhui Province, Mr. Han, female, 35 years old, March 9 incidence is currently in critical condition, Nanjing, Jiangsu active treatment. It is reported that the three cases the clinical manifestations are the early symptoms of respiratory tract infection such as fever, cough, and then developed severe pneumonia and breathing difficulties.
Informed sources, So far, Shanghai has a total of 4 patients with similar symptoms to death, four dead were in the period from February to March this year, admitted in Minhang District of Shanghai, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital.The hospital internal sources, before and after the Lunar New Year, one surnamed Li patients to the hospital, since there are two named Li patients to see a doctor, the three patient relationship as father and son, respectively a doctor's time apart from each other two or three days. 3 among the oldest 87-year-old (communications consistent with the National Health Committee), the other two are 69 years old and 55 years old. Since then, the hospital has admitted another 27-year-old Wu, patients (in line with the National Health Committee communications), but not a kinship with the foregoing surnamed Li.
Allegedly, several patients initially are fever, cough, but her condition all the way to nosedive until the final due to severe pneumonia, respiratory failure and death. The basis of this one surnamed Li family of three all sick to death of this argument is different from the official statement yesterday.
During the several patients sick, the hospital and the Health Bureau, the CDC and other organizations the many consultation, but the test results are not pointing to a known infectious diseases. For insurance purposes, the hospital-level measures to deal with SARS "(SARS), and isolated these several patients in the hospital, the medical staff of all incoming and outgoing, are armed to prevent infection. That time, the hospital is up and down, the atmosphere was very tense.
The aforementioned hospital internal sources, these four patients are ordinaryShanghai locals, surnamed Li, a family of three, has retired. As for the patients with the death of a 27-year-old Wu, rumored career pork street vendors.
National Health Commission means belonging to the avian influenza virus , theH7N9 influenza virus infection from the virus biology, three cases of patients diagnosed with the specific source of the infection is not clear, but so far, the epidemic was not found between the three cases Diseases associated. In addition, 3 cases of 88 close contacts were not unusual. Currently, the Group has been rushed to a local guide emergency response work, Shanghai , Anhui , Jiangsu provincial and municipal health departments to track patients and close contacts and medical observation.
The experts pointed out that the H7N9 subtype of avian influenza virus previously only found in poultry between never found human cases, the people infected with the H7N9 avian influenza virus, is the world's first discovery of a new subtype of influenza virus. No targeted vaccine.
It is reported that the situation of the above cases timely notification to the World Health Organization, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan regions and countries concerned.
 http://www.cnyes.com/life/Content/20130401/KH77KRUEUUQY.shtml
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Land H7N9 avian flu alert

2013/04/01 07:16:00
(Central News Agency reporter Chen Qingfang Taipei on the 31st) three cases of H7N9 avian influenza in mainland China resulted in 2 dead.New subtype of influenza A virus, the Department of Health to improve airports, ports and quarantine notice of the medical community to pay attention to the unknown cases of pneumonia. Xinhua reported today, the the mainland National Health and Family Planning Commission confirmed, Shanghai and Anhui 3 infected with H7N9 avian flu cases were found, two of whom were killed in early March. This is the world for the first time found a new subtype of influenza A virus. Disease Control, Department of Health 7 o'clock in the evening, mainland China CDC received notice of the H7N9 avian flu cases, the CDC and the notice explained previously twice but did not get in touch. The CDC has already replied to but have not yet obtained a further message, hope the mainland authorities to inform the latest news as soon as possible. CDC director Jih-Haw Chou said, has released the medical community to Circular Note unidentified cases of pneumonia, pneumonia cluster, health care workers infected with unexplained pneumonia and other events, strengthening infection control. Airport harbors another pay attention to the health status of Hong Kong and Macao mainland travelers, to strengthen the fever screening, to questioning patients travel history, please fever patients leave contact information CDC message display, mainland China 3 infected with H7N9 avian influenza virus, Shanghai, a 87-year-old and 27-year-old male patient, on February 19 and February 27 respectively the disease, died on March 4 and March 10; Chuzhou City, Anhui Province, and another 1, 35-year-old female, March 9 day incidence, critically ill. Jih-Haw Chou said, to mainland China CDC H7N9 avian influenza virus isolated from specimen cases on March 29. The three cases have symptoms of fever, cough and other respiratory tract infections, and thus appear to severe pneumonia and breathing difficulties. 3 of the world is not found epidemiological association, only knew one of whom had contact with birds. In addition, a case home relatives also unknown pneumonia death, the cause until the investigation is.  http://www.cna.com.tw/News/FirstNews/201304010003-1.aspx
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Notification of three human cases of H7N9 in Shanghai and Anhui


     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health received notification from the National Health and Family Planning Commission (the Commission) today (March 31) concerning three confirmed human cases of influenza A (H7N9).

     A CHP spokesman said the two cases in Shanghai were two men aged 87 and 27, who passed away on March 4 and 10 respectively. As regards the case in Anhui, the 35-year-old female patient is now in critical condition.

     Laboratory tests on the three patients' specimens by the Mainland health authorities yielded a positive result for H7N9.

     According to the Commission, the 27-year-old man was a butcher while the 35-year-old woman had exposure history to poultry before the onset of symptoms. No epidemiological link between the three cases was identified. So far, no abnormality was detected among the 88 close contacts of three cases.

     The spokesman said that influenza A (H7) is a statutorily notifiable infectious disease in Hong Kong. The CHP is maintaining close liaison with the Mainland health authorities to obtain more information on the cases.

     "We will heighten our vigilance and continue to maintain stringent port health measures in connection with this development," the spokesman said.

     The spokesman reminded members of the public to remain vigilant against avian influenza infection and to observe the following measures:

* Avoid direct contact with poultry and birds or their droppings; if contacts have been made, they should wash hands thoroughly with soap and water;
* Poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before eating;
* Wash hands frequently;
* Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, hold the spit with tissue and put it into covered dustbins;
* Avoid crowded places and contact with sick people with fever;
* Wear a mask when you have respiratory symptoms or need to take care of patients with fever; and
* When you have fever and influenza-like illnesses during a trip or when coming back to Hong Kong, you should consult doctors promptly and reveal your travel history.

     For further information on avian influenza, please visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk).
Ends/Sunday, March 31, 2013
Issued at HKT 13:47
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In accordance with the law reasonably Yes, but this may not dispel the concerns of the public. Health and Family Planning Commission to answer his own question, it is aware of public concerns where possible. Shanghai's first case is the onset of February 19, after she died on March 4; another example of incidence on February 27, March 10 death. As long as 42 days from the onset to the announcement, a gap of 27 days from the first deaths to the announcement, people's concerns: the epidemic to the public why not a little earlier?
http://news.163.com/13/0401/03/8RBJ1F5Q00014AED.html
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New bird flu strain kills 2 patients in Shanghai


TWO men suffering from a lesser-known type of bird flu have died in Shanghai and a woman in eastern Anhui Province is in a critical condition, health authorities said yesterday. 

The three cases of H7N9 avian influenza infection are the first time the virus has been detected in humans, the National Health and Family Planning Commission said yesterday.

So far there is no vaccination for the virus, it said.

The men were an 87-year-old surnamed Li who took ill on February 19 and died on March 4, and a 27-year-old surnamed Wu who became ill on February 27 and died on March 10. 

A 35-year-old woman surnamed Han from Chuzhou City in Anhui became ill on March 9 and is being treated in Nanjing, capital of Jiangsu Province.

All three showed initial symptoms of fever and coughing which developed into severe pneumonia with difficulty in breathing in later stages, according to the commission.

There was no sign that any of the three had contracted the disease from each other, and no sign of infection in the 88 people who had closest contact with them.

H7N9 bird flu is considered a low pathogenic strain that cannot easily be contracted by humans. The overwhelming majority of human deaths from bird flu have been caused by the more virulent H5N1, which decimated poultry stocks across Asia in 2003.

The World Health Organization is "closely monitoring the situation" in China, regional agency spokesman Timothy O'Leary told the Associated Press.

"There is apparently no evidence of human-to-human transmission, and transmission of the virus appears to be inefficient, therefore the risk to public health would appear to be low," O'Leary said.

The three cases were confirmed to be human infection with H7N9 avian influenza by a team of experts called in by the health commission.

On Friday, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention separated the virus from samples from the patients. 

The commission said it was still unclear how the three got infected.

"So far, it is still an animal virus not a human virus," said Jiang Qingwu, dean of Public Health School of Fudan University.

Since only three cases of human infection of H7N9 have been found, relatively little research has been done on it. The expert team is working to study the toxicity and human-infection capacity of the virus, the commission said.

Yesterday, Shanghai Health Bureau said cases of flu and pneumonia in the city were normal for this time of the year. The 87-year-old's two sons have gone to hospital with similar symptoms. 

According to Shanghai No. 5 People's Hospital, the three members of the Li family were admitted between February 14 and 24 for symptoms including a high fever and coughing. All three were diagnosed as having pneumonia. The 69-year-old son recovered and was discharged but the 55-year-old died from severe pneumonia and respiratory failure in late February. The father died of multi-organ failure.

Neither son had the H7N9 virus, the bureau said.
It has ordered local hospitals to step up monitoring and supervision on cases involving flu, pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.

Experts say there is no evidence to indicate the virus is spreading but patients with symptoms such as fever, coughing and breathing difficulties are being urged to visit their doctors, ensure good hygiene, such as by washing their hands, and avoid contact with diseased poultry and livestock.
http://www.shanghaidaily.com/nsp/Metro/2013/04/01/New%2Bbird%2Bflu%2Bstrain%2Bkills%2B2%2Bpatients%2Bin%2BShanghai/
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Hefei Dongpu Reservoir upstream two rotting dead pig


http://www.ahradio.com.cn2013-03-26 17:23
　　Anhui Broadcasting Network (Reporter: Sun Beiling) March 8 this year, found a large number of dead pigs along with garbage floating in the upper reaches of the Huangpu River near the water source, the Huangpu River the dead pig salvage figures have more than ten thousand. Recently, in the vicinity of Hefei Dongpu Reservoir, was also found dead pig floating on the river. On March 25, members of the public to reflect, Hefei Dongpu Reservoir, a tributary of the north, found two rotting dead pig.
　　On the morning of the 25th, according to the guidelines of the audience, the reporter found Hefei Dongpu Reservoir is north of the original Yang kilns near tributaries Recently little rain, river levels decline, this creek is only two meters wide. Not to the river, reporters smell a wave of rancid, on the shore, the reporter saw a smelly dead pig. The nearby villagers Xie the Sister told reporters, the dead pigs have been here for some time.
　　Villagers led reporters along the shore down the homestretch of more than one hundred meters, and saw a dead pig floating in the middle of the river, the villagers told reporters near the river and not the pig farm, why would appear dead pigs, they do not know, but, referring to the river's pollution problems, the villagers have poured endless grievances.
　　Villagers living near the rivers are polluted, affecting not only the problem, because the tanks - the river downstream is Hefei Dongpu Reservoir Lenovo the the Shanghai the Huangpu Jiang Songjiang paragraph waters Recently occurred a large number of floating dead pig thing, a lot of people worried. Yesterday morning, the reporter linked to the the river where Luyang District, Hefei the Yangzhen government. After hearing the news, the local urban management, environmental protection departments immediately rushed to the scene, staff were dealt with immediately two dead pigs.
　　After examination of the relevant departments along the river, only found two dead pigs. Xieliang Ming told reporters that the river is located in the territory of Xie Village, in Dongpu reservoir upstream, in order to ensure water quality, local prohibition of chemical companies and farms. After a preliminary investigation, the dead pigs may come from upstream.
　　The Luyang District EPA also sent people rushed to the scene, Zhang Xiaojie, the person in charge, told reporters, and the next, they will continue to investigate the source of dead pigs, and conduct a thorough investigation of the river along. Zhang Xiaojie also said that the river usually does appear someone the Dumping building garbage pollution problems, the next, they will also focus on remediation.
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all close contacts of patients implemented under medical observation

...
According to the relevant provisions of unexplained pneumonia Management, Shanghai, Anhui and Jiangsu, the health sector (1 patient in Anhui where Nanjing) all close contacts of patients implemented under medical observation. The Shanghai patients diagnosed patients prior to the onset, the two family members with severe pneumonia, the cause is still under investigation and detection. 3 patients the incidence of the family association, pending further investigation. In addition, Shanghai, Anhui diagnosed patients of all close contacts were not found in similar cases.
 　　Second, the National Health and Family Planning Commission, as well as local health departments to take measures? Which investigations were carried out? 　
　A: The cases of the disease, local health departments attach great importance to take timely clinical treatment, epidemiological investigation, specimen collection and submission of medical observation of close contacts, and to strengthen the monitoring of unexplained pneumonia cases. 　　National Health and Family Planning Commission attaches great importance to this epidemic, received severe unexplained pneumonia outbreaks have been reported, immediately sent a working group of experts to Shanghai, Anhui and Jiangsu, there to supervise the patient's treatment and investigation, to convene a multisectoral Chamber of Commerce will the epidemic nature of the analysis and judgment, and arrangements for the investigation, prevention and control and preparedness work. China CDC received case reports and submission of specimens in a timely manner to carry out the epidemic risk judgments and laboratory testing research, clear etiological diagnosis. 　　
Third, the two cases diagnosed patients died in early March, why the state Health and Family Planning Commission, released March 31, the epidemic? 　
　A: The people infected with the H7N9 avian influenza virus, is the world's first discovery of a new subtype of influenza virus, has not been included in our statutory report infectious disease monitoring and reporting system. 　　Medical and health institutions in Shanghai found that the above-mentioned cases, in a timely manner to carry out the relevant laboratory screening, has ruled out the infected with seasonal H1N1 and H3N2 influenza, H1N1 flu, people infected with the highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) and SARS, new Coronavirus possible. In further testing, the Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center on March 22 found that patients may be infected with the H7 influenza, after specimens were sent to the China Disease Prevention and Control Center. On the afternoon of March 29, the Chinese Center for Disease Control three H7N9 avian influenza virus isolated from the submission of cases specimens. National Health and Family Planning Organization experts further verification, according to laboratory test results, combined with the clinical manifestations, epidemiological data to conduct a comprehensive analysis to determine the patients with human cases of infection with the H7N9 avian flu virus. National Health and Family Planning Commission, in accordance with the law to the public on March 31. 　
　Fourth, after media reports that a family of three infection unexplained pneumonia, two of whom died, whether related to the reported cases? 　
　A: February 20-25, in a hospital in Shanghai has treated three people suffering from severe pneumonia, surnamed Li and his son, and two people died. Mr Lee, his father was diagnosed with the H7N9 avian influenza virus infection, the diagnosis of two patients in progress. 　
　H7N9 virus with previous H1N1, H5N1 and other seasonal influenza cases compared to its virulence and infectious? 　
　A: As found only three cases of human infection with the H7N9 avian flu virus confirmed cases of the virus, due to disease is very limited research data, experts are of the virulence of the virus and the human ability to spread further judgment. 　
　Sixth, if the infection early symptoms seek immediate medical attention if you can get effective treatment? 　
　A: The gene sequence analysis showed that the drug-sensitive virus neuraminidase inhibitor class of anti-influenza virus. Experience other type influenza antiviral treatment after the onset of the early use of the neuraminidase inhibitor class of anti-influenza virus drugs may be effective remains to be seen, but the means of specific treatment of newly discovered human H7N9 avian influenza virus infection research. 　　How to prevent the H7N9 avian flu? Are there any other special precautions? 　　A: Influenza is an acute respiratory tract infection. Wash their hands, indoor Qin ventilation, attention to nutrition, to maintain a good physique is conducive to the prevention of influenza and other respiratory diseases. Respiratory tract infection symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, use a tissue, handkerchief Cover your mouth and nose to prevent infection of others. In addition, special attention to avoid direct contact with sick or dead poultry and livestock. 　　More contact with patients suffering from infectious diseases than the general public due to the medical staff, it is recommended that the medical staff to take the necessary protective measures in the process of the treatment of the patients. Admissions with suspected or confirmed H7N9 avian influenza, effective protective measures should be taken, that the standard prevention, prevention of airborne droplets and contact transmission precautions. 　

 　According to the National Health and Family Planning Commission website 　　links 　　Shanghai 　　all close contacts of cases were not found similar symptoms　　, according to the Xinhua News Agency, according to the the Shanghai health sector monitoring, diagnosis, and in accordance with the law to the public by the National Health and Family Planning Organization experts, Shanghai found 2 cases of human infection of H7N9 avian influenza. Medical observation, so far, all close contacts of the cases were not found similar symptoms and morbidity. 　　It is understood that this year Shanghai influenza, pneumonia is generally stable, compared with the same period in the last three years, the incidence was no significant increase. The health sector has been further strengthened monitoring prevention and control of infectious diseases of the respiratory tract. 　　Recently, two patients in Shanghai, Lee, Wu because of fever, cough and other symptoms to the hospital, was diagnosed with severe pneumonia after she died.Dead early onset of both influenza-like symptoms, a week after symptoms develop into pneumonia and was progressively increased. Two patients had chronic underlying disease history. Lee before the onset of his two sons are also due to similar symptoms to the hospital for treatment, the eldest son was diagnosed with a lung infection, pneumonia, has been cured; youngest son was diagnosed with severe pneumonia after she died. They were not detected in the H7N9 avian influenza. 　　Health departments in Shanghai have been deployed at all levels to medical and health institutions to strengthen influenza, pneumonia of unknown causes, such as respiratory infectious disease surveillance, highly concerned about the unexplained pneumonia and found similar cases, do case reports in a timely manner according to specifications, sample collection, laboratory testing and medical where work effectively protect public health. 
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the diagnosis of two patients in progress


...Q: patients from the means by which the people infected with the H7N9 avian influenza infection?
Answer: the people infected with the H7N9 influenza virus from the virus biology belonging to the avian influenza virus, previously found in the international human infection H7 subtypes of influenza virus are mostly from birds, but so far, three cases of diagnosed patients The specific source of infection is not clear.
According to the relevant provisions of unexplained pneumonia Management, Shanghai, Anhui and Jiangsu, the health sector (1 patient in Anhui where Nanjing) all close contacts of patients implemented under medical observation.The Shanghai patients diagnosed patients before the onset of its two family members with severe pneumonia, the cause is still under investigation and detection. 3 patients the incidence of the family association, pending further investigation. In addition, Shanghai, Anhui diagnosed patients of all close contacts were not found in similar cases...
Q: Earlier media reported that a family of three infection pneumonia of unknown causes, two of whom died, whether related to the reported cases?
A: February 20-25, in a hospital in Shanghai has treated three people suffering from severe pneumonia, surnamed Li and his son, and two died. Mr Lee, his father was diagnosed with the H7N9 avian influenza virus infection, the diagnosis of two patients in progress.



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The usual hygiene may avian influenza

　


2013-04-01

　Express News (reporter paragraph Tingting), March 31, the National Health and Family Planning Commission Bulletin, Shanghai and Anhui found three cases of human infection with the H7N9 avian influenza, two cases of patients have died, and one case Anhui patient in critical condition, the message is a cause widespread concern. The same day, the reporter CDC learned from Yantai City, March 29, related to the business department had received notice to begin deployment of the avian flu prevention measures. City CDC experts have warned that people do personal protection is completely avoidable avian influenza viruses. 　　According to City CDC to experts, people infected with avian influenza, fever, cough, runny nose and other symptoms, some patients and also complications associated with pneumonia, severe cases can lead to kidney and other organs failure.


　　"Prevention of avian influenza virus, attach importance to the public or from the daily life, to maintain good personal hygiene, to develop the habit of washing hands frequently, ventilation window after getting up in the morning, as much as possible to cover your nose and mouth when sneezing City CDC experts said, If symptoms such as cough, fever, do not seriously, should promptly to the hospital for examination, to exclude the possibility of avian flu infection. Should also avoid contact and edible disease (dead), poultry, livestock. 　　City CDC experts, members of the public found dead wildfowl or poultry, should be promptly reported to the health and epidemic prevention departments, the health sector will be carried out according to the specific circumstances of sampling, testing, testing, to ensure that no large-scale human infection with avian influenza occurred . The experts said, "due to the H7N9 avian flu virus is not vaccine preventable, early detection and early treatment is crucial, and must be a doctor as soon as possible if there is a suspected symptoms, a doctor to tell the doctor if contact with poultry and other information. "the 　　City CDC experts remind medical staff contact with patients suffering from infectious diseases than the general public more opportunities in the process of the treatment of the patients, it is recommended that the medical staff to take the necessary protective measures to prevent individuals infected with a virus. 　　According to reports, the City CDC March 29, had notified the relevant departments of the business are beginning to develop measures to prevent the avian flu. 　　Individuals to combat avian flu should pay attention to the following points 　　. attention to food hygiene and 　　processing to save the eggs and poultry food to separate raw and cooked food must be cooked thoroughly, the eggs surface of the stool should be washed. 　　Avoid contact with waterfowl, migratory birds and other animals, 　　if conditions allow, can be inoculated with influenza vaccine 　　in healthy adults and adolescents can be inoculated with live attenuated vaccines easily carry the avian flu virus . 　　The elderly, infants, pregnant women and the chronically ill can be inoculated with inactivated influenza vaccine. 　　Poultry farms staff should pay attention to personal hygiene 　　at work wearing masks, wearing overalls, gloves, wash hands after contact with poultry droppings and other pollutants, and keep the air circulation in the work environment. 　　Note: If you develop fever, headache, nasal congestion, cough, malaise and other symptoms, the patient should wear a mask to the hospital immediately.  http://www.kaixian.tv/R1/n1599840c7.shtml
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PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza, human (14): China (Shanghai, Anhui) H7N9, fatal

Date: Sun 31 Mar 2013
Source: Xinhua News Agency [edited]
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/china/2013-03/31/c_132274381.htm

Three cases of human infection with H7N9

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BEIJING: Avian influenza has been detected recently in [humans in] Shanghai and Anhui Province, and two of them have died, the other being in a critical condition, the National Health and Family Planning Commission said Sunday [31 Mar 2013].
The victims include an 87-year-old male in Shanghai who got sick on 19 Feb 2013 and died on 4 Mar 2013, a 27-year-old male in Shanghai who became ill on 27 Feb 2013 and died on 10 Mar 2013 and a 35-year-old female in Chuzhou City (Anhui province who became ill on 9 Mar 2013 and is now in a critical condition. They all showed initial symptoms of fever and coughs which developed into severe pneumonia and difficult breathing in later stages, according to the
report.

On Saturday [30 Mar 2013], the three cases were confirmed to be human infections with H7N9 avian influenza by an expert team summoned by the health and family planning commission, based on clinical observation, laboratory tests and epidemiological surveys. On Friday [29 Mar 2013], the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Preservation[isolated] the H7N9 bird flu virus from [tissue] samples from these patients. So far, the commission said, it is unclear how the three became infected, and no mutual infections [contacts] were discovered among them. Besides, no abnormalities were detected among 88 of their close contacts.

The subtype of H7N9 avian influenza virus virus has not been contracted [by] human beings [previously]. The virus shows no signs of being highly contagious among humans, according to the clinical observation on the cases' close contacts. However, as only three cases of human infection of H7N9 have been found, relatively little research has been done undertaken. The expert team is working to study the toxicity and human-infection capacity of the virus, according
to the commission.

There are no vaccines against the H7N9 bird flu virus either at home or abroad.

--
Communicated by:
Mark Liao
UC Davis School of Medicine
California, USA 
Class of 2015




****

[2]
Date: Sun 31 Mar 2013
Source: USA Today, Associated Press report [edited]
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/03/31/bird-flu-deaths-china/2039551/

First two known-known deaths from H7N9 bird flu

-------------------------------------------

BEIJING: Two Shanghai men have died from a little-known type of bird flu in the first known human deaths from the strain. Chinese authorities said Sunday [31 Mar 2013] that it wasn't clear how the men were infected, but that there was no evidence of human-to-human transmission. A third person, a woman in the nearby province of Anhui, also contracted the H7N9 strain of bird flu and was in critical condition, China's National Health and Family Planning Commission said in a report on its website. There was no sign that any of the three had contracted the disease from each other, and no sign of infection in the 88 people who had closest contact with them, the medical agency said. H7N9 bird flu is considered a low pathogenic strain that cannot easily be contracted by humans. The overwhelming majority of human deaths from avian influenza have been caused by the H5N1 strain.

One of the two men from Shanghai, who was 87, became ill on 19 Feb 2013 and died on 27 Feb 2013. The other man, 27 years old, became ill on 27 Feb 2013 and died on 4 mar 2913, the agency said. The 35-year-old woman in the Anhui city became ill on 9 Mar 2013 and is being treated. The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention conducted tests and confirmed on Saturday that all three cases were H7N9 [infections], the health agency said, adding that the World Health Organization had been notified of the findings.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail rapporteur Kunihiko Iizuka


****
Communicated by:
Gert van der Hoek 


[Two of the first three known human case of the relatively rare avian H7H9 serotype avian influenza A virus have died. The condition of the third patient has not been disclosed. The three cases are unrelated, of different ages, and not known to have any predisposing medical conditions. The two fatal cases were resident in Shanghai and the surviving case is resident in Chuzhou City, Anhui Province. None of the immediate contacts of theses patients have contracted the infection. The extent of the three victims contact with diseased or normal poultry is not revealed, nor any contact with wild birds. 

While these facts do not indicate any imminent threat of a human epidemic, the situation is novel and alarming, particularly as the human population has not been exposed to influenza viruses of H7 or N9 antigenicity in the past, and can bassumed to have no innate immunity. Further information is awaited. 

A map of China showing the locations of Shanghai and Anhui province ca be accessed at: 
http://www.sacu.org/provmap.html. - Mod.CP] http://www.promedmail.org/direct.php?id=20130331.1612370
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The CDC Expert: Guangdong found no infection of H7N9 avian influenza cases



Published: 2013-03-31 23:46 Source: Nanfang Daily Author:

Nanfang Daily News (Reporter / Cao Si) Health and Family Planning Commission of China National reported yesterday, Shanghai and Anhui Province, China found three cases of human infection with the H7N9 avian influenza, including the Shanghai two male patients died, Anhui female patients in critical condition .According to reports, H7N9 avian influenza virus is the world's first discovery of a new subtype of influenza virus have not been included in our statutory report infectious disease monitoring and reporting system, experts are further determine its virulence and interpersonal communication skills.
Yesterday, the provincial CDC chief expert, He Jianfeng, director of the Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, said in an interview with Nanfang Daily reporter, Guangdong has not yet found infected with H7N9 avian influenza, "However, Guangdong has entered the high incidence of influenza season, we will closely Concerned about the monitoring system. "
No epidemiological association between the three cases
According to the notification of the National Health and Family Planning Commission, Shanghai patients Lee, male, 87 years old, the incidence February 19, March 4 died after active rescue; patients Wu, male, 27 years old, 27 February onset March 10, died after active rescue. Patients with Chuzhou City, Anhui Province Mr. Han, female, 35 years old, incidence March 9, is currently in critical condition, Nanjing, Jiangsu active treatment.
3 cases of clinical manifestations are the early symptoms of respiratory tract infection such as fever, cough, and then developed severe pneumonia and breathing difficulties. According to reports, the current epidemiological association was not found between the three cases. The specific source of infection of the three cases diagnosed patients is unclear. In addition, 3 cases of 88 close contacts were not unusual.
The world for the first time found a new subtype of influenza A virus
According to the notification, the two cases diagnosed patients died in early March. Why the National Health and Family Planning Commission on March 31 announced the epidemic?
National Health and Family Planning Commission, said the people infected with the H7N9 bird flu virus is the world's first discovery of a new subtype of influenza A virus, have not been included in our statutory report infectious disease monitoring and reporting system.
According to reports, medical and health institutions in Shanghai had found out that the cases in a timely manner to carry out the relevant laboratory screening, has ruled out the infected with seasonal H1N1 and H3N2 influenza, H1N1 influenza, people infected with the highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) as well as SARS, the novel coronavirus might. On the afternoon of March 29, the Chinese Center for Disease Control H7N9 avian influenza virus isolated from the specimens of the related cases March 30, the National Health and Family Planning Organization experts, according to the clinical manifestations, laboratory testing and epidemiological findings, the diagnosis of three patients with human infection of H7N9 avian influenza confirmed cases, and on March 31 in accordance with the law to the community announced.
No vaccine for the H7N9 virus
Jianfeng Influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. The influenza virus can be divided into A (A), (B), C III (C). Influenza can be divided according to the characteristics of the influenza virus HxNx 135 subtypes, the H7N9 subtype of avian influenza virus is one of them.
He revealed that Guangdong have not found infected with H7N9 avian influenza, also did not find cases of H5N1. "But then we will continue to pay close attention to flu monitoring systems and the unknown pneumonia monitoring system, after all, Guangdong has entered a period of high incidence of influenza."
Now H7N9 virus infection has caused two deaths and one person in critical condition, the virus of mass destruction in the end how much? Jianfeng said the past found no case of human infection of H7N9, "before occurred in the Netherlands H7N7 infection, a total of 89 people infected with the virus, the death of one person, we found that both the spread of the virus and pathogenic control H7N9 and H7N7 sex is not very strong, more in poultry between common H5N1 are opportunistic infections. "the website of the Ministry of Health revealed that the virus-induced disease is very limited research data, the experts are on The virulence of the virus and the human ability to spread further judgment.
Infected persons appear early symptoms, seek immediate medical attention if you can get effective treatment? According to the information revealed by the Ministry of Health, the gene sequence analysis showed that antiviral drugs for influenza virus neuraminidase inhibitors class sensitive, but it remains to be seen of specific treatment of newly discovered human H7N9 avian influenza virus infection, home and abroad there is no vaccine against the H7N9 avian influenza virus.
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