2013-05-03
Since April 2012, cases of the novel (new) coronavirus have been identified in five countries: the United Kingdom, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Some of the infections have occurred in clusters – in a family in the United Kingdom, in a family in Saudi Arabia and among health workers in a hospital in Jordan. This suggests that the virus can spread between humans, however, there has been no sustained person-to-person transmission and the risk of contracting this infection is still considered to be very low.
Since April 2012, cases of the novel (new) coronavirus have been identified in five countries: the United Kingdom, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Some of the infections have occurred in clusters – in a family in the United Kingdom, in a family in Saudi Arabia and among health workers in a hospital in Jordan. This suggests that the virus can spread between humans, however, there has been no sustained person-to-person transmission and the risk of contracting this infection is still considered to be very low.
For the latest updates on coronavirus including the total number of cases and deaths please visit the World Health Organization’s Global Alert and Response website
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Coronaviruses are the cause of the common cold but can also be the cause of more severe illnesses including Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). At this time, there is still more to learn about this novel coronavirus. All cases have experienced influenza-like illness including signs and symptoms of pneumonia which may include coughing, mucous, shortness of breath, malaise, chest pain and/or fever.
The World Health Organization continues to work with relevant ministries of health and other international partners to support investigations to gain a better understanding of the disease and its risks. There continues to be no travel restrictions as the risk to travellers remains very low.
Public Health Notice: H7N9 avian flu in China
3 May 2013
Information is reviewed on a regular basis and updated as required.
Information is reviewed on a regular basis and updated as required.
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. Not all cases develop severe pneumonia and breathing difficulties but most do, 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. Not all cases develop severe pneumonia and breathing difficulties but most do, some resulting in death. Additional cases are expected. Official numbers are available here.
On April 24, the WHO confirmed the first case of the virus outside mainland China. The Taiwanese individual had worked in mainland China, which is where he was most likely infected. Risk to Canadians remains low.
Risk to Canadians
The avian influenza (H7N9) virus causing illness in people in China has not been identified in people or birds in Canada.
While emerging information suggests the possibility of some limited human-to-human transmission of this virus in China, there has been no evidence of ongoing human-to-human transmission. The risk to Canadians remains low.
While there is no risk of catching the flu virus by eating well-cooked affected poultry, Canada, in fact, does not import raw poultry or raw poultry products from China.
Canadians can help protect themselves and their fellow citizens from influenza in general by:
- 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, aTravel Health Notice has been posted 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 Public Health Agency is working closely with its national and international partners, including the World Health Organ..
