Public Health Notice: H7N9 avian flu in China
Updated: 8 April 2013
Why you should take note
The World Health Organization
(WHO) confirmed a new type of avian influenza virus in humans identified as A(H7N9) in the People’s Republic of China. All cases developed severe pneumonia and breathing difficulties, some resulting in death. Additional cases are expected. Official numbers are available here.
(WHO) confirmed a new type of avian influenza virus in humans identified as A(H7N9) in the People’s Republic of China. All cases developed severe pneumonia and breathing difficulties, some resulting in death. Additional cases are expected. Official numbers are available here.Risk to Canadians
The strain of H7N9 avian influenza causing illness in people in China has not been identified in birds in Canada.
There have been no reports of human illness in Canada associated with the H7N9 flu virus currently causing illness in China.
The risk posed to humans by avian influenza in birds is generally very low. Avian influenza does not transmit easily from birds to infect humans.
While there is no risk of catching the flu virus by eating affected poultry, Canada, in fact, does not import raw poultry or raw poultry products from China.
Canadians should protect themselves and their fellow citizens from seasonal/annual influenza by:
- Getting an annual flu shot;
- Washing hands frequently;
- Covering coughs and sneezes;
- Keeping common surfaces clean; and
- Staying home when sick.
Travel information
While the Agency is not advising any travel restrictions related to this event at this time, a Travel Health Notice has been posted on the travel.gc.ca website to provide advice to Canadian travellers. We will continue to monitor this situation very closely and advise Canadians as appropriate.
on the travel.gc.ca website to provide advice to Canadian travellers. We will continue to monitor this situation very closely and advise Canadians as appropriate.What the Public Health Agency of Canada is doing
The Agency works closely with its national and international partners, including the WHO, to track all types of flu activity in Canada and around the world.
An Agency medical expert is based in Beijing and is liaising with the Chinese infectious disease prevention authorities on this outbreak.
The Agency's National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) has access to the H7N9 whole genome sequence through the Global Initiative on Sharing Avian Influenza Data (GISAID). This information allows the NML to rapidly detect the H7N9 flu virus.
The NML is also working closely with provincial laboratories to ensure they are also able to test for the H7N9 flu virus. http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/phn-asp/2013/h7n9-0403-eng.php
