China reports new H7N9 bird flu case, first case since August
The World Health Organization (WHO) was notified by Chinese authorities of a new laboratory confirmed case of human avian influenza A(H7N9) virus infections, according to a WHO update today.
Under a high magnification, this negatively-stained transmission electron micrograph (TEM) captured some of the ultrastructural details exhibited by the new influenza A (H7N9) virus.
Image/CDC
The National Health and Family Planning Commission, China reports the patient is a 35-year-old man from Zhejiang Province. He was admitted to a hospital on 8 October 2013 and is in a critical condition.
This is the first new confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus since 11 August 2013.
In addition, a previously laboratory-confirmed patient from Hebei has died.
To date, WHO has been informed of a total of 136 laboratory-confirmed human cases with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus infection including 45 deaths.
Currently, three patients are hospitalized and 88 have been discharged. So far, there is no evidence of sustainable human-to-human transmission.
Influenza A(H7N9) is one of a subgroup of influenza viruses that normally circulate among birds. Until recently, this virus had not been seen in people. However, human infections have now been detected.
As yet, there is limited information about the scope of the disease the virus causes and about the source of exposure. The disease is of concern because most patients have been severely ill.
Although the WHO says there is no indication thus far that it can be transmitted between people, a new study suggests the virus may have the potential to be easily transmitted from human to human.
Researchers at the National Avian Influenza Reference Laboratory at Harbin Veterinary Research Institute have found that the virus is highly transmissible between ferrets, a mammal often used to study possible virus transmission between humans, according to a HealthDay report.
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