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China - 14 confirmed cases of human infection with H7N9 avian influenza - Five fatalities March 31 - April 4

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  • #46
    Re: China - Three confirmed cases of human infection with H7N9 avian influenza - Two fatalities

    I think would be also important to see what is the donor H9N2 virus lineage.

    All the internal genes of H7N9 seem to belong to H9N2. Now, some H9N2 are also reassortants and a number of these viruses have NS and PA segments from H5N1.

    We need careful analysis of these genes.

    Comment


    • #47
      Re: China - Three confirmed cases of human infection with H7N9 avian influenza - Two fatalities

      Here are some mouse-adapted H9N2 changes that we could compare to the new H7N9, when they are released:

      from: Mouse-adapted H9N2 influenza A virus PB2 protein M147L and E627K mutations are critical for high virulence.
      at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22808250

      (see Figure 5 at end of article)

      .
      "The next major advancement in the health of American people will be determined by what the individual is willing to do for himself"-- John Knowles, Former President of the Rockefeller Foundation

      Comment


      • #48
        Re: China - Three confirmed cases of human infection with H7N9 avian influenza - Two fatalities

        As everyone is probably aware we have news threads and discussion threads for particular topics.

        To keep this news thread "a fast read" we have established a discussion here.

        We will continue to post disease reports about respiratory and pneumonia that we can not identify as H7N9 here in our China - Pneumonia, Respiratory, and Influenza Like Illnesses (ILI) forum here. If any of these reports can be directly tied to H7N9, H5N1, NCoV etc. we will move them to the appropriate forum and/or thread.

        Thanks everyone for everything that you are doing.

        Comment


        • #49
          Re: China - Three confirmed cases of human infection with H7N9 avian influenza - Two fatalities

          [Source: Centre for Food Safety, Hong Kong PRC SAR, full text: (LINK).]
          Stringent surveillance on imported poultry and meat in place to safeguard public health


          In view of the three confirmed human cases of influenza A (H7N9) in the Mainland, the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department will closely liaise with the Mainland authorities over any abnormal situation concerning farms supplying chickens and pigs to Hong Kong, and take appropriate actions whenever necessary to protect public health, a CFS spokesman said today (April 1).

          The CFS spokesman said, "All live chickens and pigs, and chilled and frozen poultry/meat imported from the Mainland must come from farms and poultry/meat processing plants registered with the inspection and quarantine authorities and to be accompanied with animal health certificates issued by the Mainland authorities concerned.

          "CFS officers will be deployed to inspect those registered farms and poultry/meat processing plants to ensure their management complies with the relevant hygienic requirements.

          Each consignment will be released only after the poultry/meat has been inspected and relevant health certificates verified at the Man Kam To Food Control Office.

          "On each consignment of live chickens, the CFS will conduct random tests for avian influenza while live pigs have to go through ante-mortem and post-mortem inspections in slaughterhouses. Only pigs that pass the inspections will be supplied to the market and sold for consumption," he said.

          The spokesman said, under the Imported Game, Meat and Poultry Regulations (Cap. 132AK), those who import game, meat or poultry without health certificates commit an offence and are liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment.

          "The CFS will closely keep in view of the latest development. Depending on further information about the infection channels in the cases to be established by the health authorities concerned, detail arrangements of appropriate actions and measures will be formulated," the spokesman added.


          Ends/Monday, April 1, 2013
          Issued at HKT 21:23
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          • #50
            Re: China - Three confirmed cases of human infection with H7N9 avian influenza - Two fatalities

            [Source: i-Ask, full text: (LINK). Automatic translation.]
            The world's first human infections with H7N9 avian influenza virus

            iask.ca 2013-04-01 07:06 - Source: Ming Pao


            The world for the first time human transmission of H7N9 avian influenza in China, Shanghai and Anhui three patients, two have died, one of them the disease as early as February. Chinese media expose, one male and two sons of the deceased also pneumonia admissions, one has died, but the hospital once excluded three sons suffering from avian flu.

            Hong Kong microbiologist expressed concern about the deceased pig stall, and Shanghai has a large number of unidentified dead pig, it is promoting the Chinese government to investigate the relationship of Shanghai float a large number of dead pigs and human transmission of H7N9 avian influenza.

            WHO spokesman said, is keeping a close watch on the situation, But stressed that at present there is no evidence of human to human transmission, but also the ability of the spread of the virus is weak, so that the virus does not pose a threat to public health.56.ca, Canada homes
            National Health and Family Planning Commission, released yesterday, found that the world's first human case of avian influenza H7N9 cases, temporary unknown source of infection.

            The deceased are from Shanghai, another critically ill patients from Chuzhou City, Anhui Province. The three patients in the early stage of the disease showed symptoms of fever, cough and other respiratory tract infections, severe pneumonia and breathing difficulties after evolving into.

            The hospital had rule out avian flu in this article from their homes network IASK.CA

            The Guardian Planning Commission said, yet found that three patients [are not] epidemiology related, man-made pork vendors, another Anhui female patient had contact with poultry, the two sons of the 87-year-old patients have also pneumonia admissions (see Table) .

            According to the Shanghai Evening News "reported early last month, Internet users in microblogging claimed the Fifth People's Hospital, a few cases of unknown deaths, patients with symptoms of respiratory failure. Hospital Fangcheng Qing refers to pneumonia patient, the hospital received three and a Pro! Center of Shanghai Public Health Inspection, rule out the possibility of avian flu.

            Reporter yesterday asked the Wei Planning Commission, Planning Commission Methodist response, the 87-year-old surnamed Li, male deceased and their two sons has taken to a hospital in Shanghai at the end of February due to severe pneumonia, the 55-year-old son had passed away.

            A deceased pork vendors, Shanghai early last month in the Huangpu River to salvage the 6601 dead pig, Chair Professor of Microbiology at the University of Hong Kong Peiris batch of dead pigs with H7N9 cases may not have a relationship, but it is common in chickens, duck H7 viruses that infect pigs may, it is necessary that the mainland government investigation earlier the dead pig, dead pig in frequent contact with the new influenza related.

            Peiris also said that the three cases resulted in two deaths and one in critical condition, is Cause for concern. He pointed out that the the the past occasionally H7 avian flu transmission of incidents (see another version), so he was not surprised H7N9 descendant, but he stressed the need to be Mainland pathogen survey is not possible at this stage to speculate.

            Yuen Kwok-yung: maintaining health need not worry
            Head of the Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong, Yuen Kwok-yung, yesterday told cable access said The H7N9 cases sounds make him believe that the virus "good risk" and that the virus may enter a genetically altered pigs, but the detailed situation! Pending learned only after the complete gene sequencing. But he meant that as long as the public continues to maintain personal hygiene, there is no need to worry about.

            Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection has received notification yesterday and H7 influenza is a statutory notifiable infectious diseases in Hong Kong, will continue to keep in touch with the health authorities in the Mainland, to understand the details of the cases, and will be vigilant and maintain stringent port health measures.

            WHO prepared the H7 vaccine

            East China's first outbreak of H7N9 avian influenza in humans, at present there is no specific vaccine against the virus, but Hong Kong Microbiology Chair Professor Peiris said, H7 avian flu human infections worked in the Netherlands and Canada in the past, WHO has thus prepared six kinds available H7 vaccine production, materials have the opportunity to prevention of H7N9; another provisional try drugs Tamiflu and Relenza treatment resistant influenza virus, but the actual effectiveness to be studied.

            Peiris refers to as early as in 2003, the Netherlands there have been 89 cases of H7N7 human infections, with one death.

            2004 Canadian two H7N3 human infections, two were mild disease; Later, Britain and other places also sporadic H7 avian influenza cases of human infection.

            Peiris estimate the treatment of influenza, Tamiflu and Relenza should treat H7N9 and other kinds of avian flu, but the practical utility to study.

            National Health and Family Planning Commission, said yesterday that the gene sequence analysis showed that inhibiting class of antiviral drugs for influenza virus neuraminidase Gu sensitive, I believe that for patients with early onset of the drug may be effective, further research is needed. Peiris refers to the the WHO recorded 6 H7 avian influenza vaccine available for production, I believe that the opportunity to prevent transmission of H7N9. HKU infection and infectious disease center director Ho _AT_ Liang said the Chinese poultry vaccines, including the H5, but not H7 vaccine, so there is a certain risk.
            -
            --------
            Last edited by sharon sanders; April 1, 2013, 10:39 AM. Reason: added bolding

            Comment


            • #51
              Re: China - Three confirmed cases of human infection with H7N9 avian influenza - Two fatalities

              Source: CTV, full page: http://www.ctvnews.ca/world/no-human...ials-1.1218784

              (...)

              April 1 2013

              (...)

              "We don't know yet the causes of illness in the two sons, but naturally, if three people in one family acquire severe pneumonia in a short period of time, it raises a lot of concern," the World Health Organization's China representative, Michael O'Leary, said at a briefing in Beijing late Monday.

              (...)

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              Comment


              • #52
                Re: China - Three confirmed cases of human infection with H7N9 avian influenza - Two fatalities

                [Source: World Health Organization, full page: (LINK). Edited.]
                H7N9 avian influenza human infections in China

                1 April 2013


                On 31 March 2013, the China Health and Family Planning Commission notified the World Health Organization (WHO) of three cases of human infection with influenza A(H7N9). The cases were laboratory confirmed on 29 March by China CDC. Laboratory testing for influenza A(H3N2), A (H1N1)pdm09 and A(H5N1), as well as for novel coronavirus, has been negative.

                The cases were reported from Shanghai (2 cases) and Anhui province (1 case).

                All three cases presented with respiratory tract infection with progression to severe pneumonia and breathing difficulties.

                Disease onset was between 19 February and 15 March 2013.

                Two of the cases died.

                The third case is currently in critical condition.

                To date no epidemiological link between the cases has been identified.

                An investigation including follow-up of contacts is ongoing.

                So far no further cases have been identified among the 88 identified contacts under follow up.

                Investigations into the source of infection and mode of transmission are ongoing.

                The Chinese government is actively investigating this event and has instituted enhanced surveillance, laboratory strengthening and training of health care professionals for detection, reporting and treatment.

                WHO is in contact with the national authorities and is following the event closely. It will issue updates as new information becomes available.
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                Comment


                • #53
                  Re: China - Three confirmed cases of human infection with H7N9 avian influenza - Two fatalities

                  [Source: China Radio International, full page: (LINK). Edited.]
                  No Bird Flu Virus Found in Dead Pigs

                  2013-04-02 00:39:22 - Xinhua - Web Editor: Mao Yaqing


                  No bird flu virus was found in dead pig samples from a river that provides drinking water to residents in Shanghai where two died in the first human infections of a new avian influenza strain, authorities said Monday.

                  Two people in Shanghai, 87 and 27 years old, became ill with fever and coughs in late February and died in early March, suffering from severe pneumonia and difficult breathing, the National Health and Family Planning Commission said Sunday.

                  The two have been confirmed to be infected 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 Monday, the Shanghai Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center tested 34 samples of pig carcasses pulled from the Huangpu River running through the city and found no bird flu viruses, the city government said in a statement.
                  Thousands of dead pigs have been retrieved from the Huangpu River last month, sparking huge panic as well as satire among the public over tap water safety.

                  The city's health authorities will beef up monitoring over cases of influenza and pneumonia caused by unknown reasons, according to the statement.

                  In the first quarter of the year, the city reported similar number of influenza and pneumonia cases compared with average levels over the past three years, it said.

                  Meanwhile, more than 100 monitoring sites and hospitals in the city reported no cases of SARS and H5N1 avian influenza from mid November to end March, it said.

                  A third person, a 35-year-old female in Chuzhou City of Anhui Province became ill on March 9 and was now in a critical condition after contracting the H7N9 strain.

                  It is unclear how the three got infected, and no mutual infections were discovered among them, said the National Health and Family Planning Commission. Besides, no abnormalities were detected among 88 of their close contacts.

                  The subtype of H7N9 bird flu virus has not been contracted to human beings before. 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 on it. 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.
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                  Comment


                  • #54
                    Re: China - Three confirmed cases of human infection with H7N9 avian influenza - Two fatalities

                    [Source: Kaixan.tv, full text: (LINK). Automatic translation.]
                    Chuzhou, Anhui continue investigations on H7N9 avian flu case, contacts under surveillance

                    2013-04-02 00:53

                    Original title: Chuzhou close contacts found no flu symptoms

                    Source: Market Star

                    Chuzhou were collected from the patients' family members, close contacts, and environmental specimens nearly 150 were detected

                    Steady influenza epidemic in the city and found no related cases of severe pneumonia

                    March 31, the National Health and Family Planning Commission informed Chuzhou found a case of human infection of H7N9 avian influenza. Reporters learned yesterday, Chuzhou urgent action, collected the patients' family members, close contacts, and environmental specimens nearly 150 were detected, of which, 26 close contacts under medical observation for 10 full days. The city now smooth influenza epidemic, found no new severe pneumonia cases. Was only one female patients still in the Nanjing hospital for treatment, the disease is still relatively critical.

                    -
                    The reporter Hu Hao LI Wan Ting
                    The patients went to private clinics where Patients Mr. Han, female, 35 years old, Chuzhou South Qiao area. Patients with symptoms of fever on March 15, the clinic has its living community health service centers and two private clinics, city Integrative Medicine Hospital and City First People's Hospital.

                    At 0 o'clock on the March 20 due to severe pneumonia transferred to the intensive care unit of the First People's Hospital of Chuzhou City. Sicker go to a hospital in Nanjing, on the afternoon of March 20, is still in the intensive care unit treatment.

                    On the morning of March 20, the CDC received a report of the First Municipal People's Hospital, Chuzhou immediately reported to the Municipal Health Bureau. After testing, the results of patient throat swab specimens for influenza A positive. March 22 specimens were sent to the Anhui Province CDC testing, consistent test results. The specimens were subsequently sent to the national CDC genotyping.

                    The Chuzhou investigates close contacts Chuzhou municipal government received the report of the Municipal Health Bureau held an emergency meeting on March 26, the study measures, the deployment of prevention and control work. Chuzhou CDC investigation, the investigation a total of 26 close contacts, its medical observation; collection of family members of patients, close contacts and environmental specimens nearly 150 were detected. Chuzhou municipal medical institutions strengthen active surveillance of influenza-like illness and severe pneumonia, and daily system; monitoring of the patient's residence neighboring farms, poultry wholesale market, poultry backyard farmers in the agricultural sector, not detected H7 Asia influenzae type.

                    National Health Planning Commission, three staff went Chuzhou March 30 National Health and Family Planning Commission expert group according to clinical manifestations, epidemiological investigation and laboratory test results confirmed human cases of infection with the H7N9 avian flu, informed 31 at noon. Chuzhou Municipal government again in the afternoon to hold an emergency meeting to set up the prevention and control of coordinated leadership group, by the head of the mayor of the pro.

                    Currently, close contacts under medical observation for 10 full days, close contacts track retrospective follow-up, and the source of infection is still continuing.

                    Reporter learned yesterday, the the patients Mr. Han is still in ICU Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing treatment, the National Health Planning Commission has three to send expert on-site guidance treatment.

                    No new cases found To continue to do a good job in the prevention and control work, to strengthen influenza, unexplained pneumonia and other respiratory diseases monitoring, Chuzhou implementation of a "zero report" system, and determine the First People's Hospital of Chuzhou City, admitted to the hospital. Chuzhou unified arrangements, according to the National Health Planning Commission to carry out public control propaganda, to the community and timely information about the prevention and treatment progress.

                    Chuzhou influenza epidemic is stable, found no related cases of severe pneumonia, not found in close contact with flu-like symptoms, livestock epidemics. National Health Planning Commission, experts believe, according to who is in close contact with medical observation, not suggesting that the virus has the ability of strong interpersonal transmission.

                    (?)

                    Hefei has not yet received a suspected H7N9 samples Reporter learned from the Hefei CDC, initially due to the three infected with H7N9 patients showed symptoms of pneumonia, so if we find unexplained pneumonia hospital should be sent to the CDC for samples in the sample will detection.

                    "So far we have not received suspected human infection with the H7N9 avian influenza samples but as time goes on, there should be a sample sent over." Meditations analysts said.
                    Meditations at the same time said that the public need not panic, influenza virus almost every day in the mutation, found on previous international human infection H7 subtypes of influenza virus from birds and more, as of now, three confirmed cases of specific infections Source unclear. "As long as they wash their hands, cough and cover nose and mouth when sneezing personal hygiene can be effective in preventing influenza and other respiratory infections. Should also avoid contact with sick or dead poultry, livestock (?)
                    (Editor: Mengxiang Wu)
                    - -------

                    Comment


                    • #55
                      Re: China - Three confirmed cases of human infection with H7N9 avian influenza - Two fatalities

                      [Source: Journal of American Medical Association, full page: (LINK). Edited.]


                      Human Cases of H7N9 Avian Influenza in China Prompt Concern

                      BY BRIDGET M. KUEHN ON APRIL 1, 2013


                      The identification of 3 unrelated cases of human infection with H7N9 avian influenza in China has prompted international concern.

                      (?)


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                      Comment


                      • #56
                        Re: China - Three confirmed cases of human infection with H7N9 avian influenza - Two fatalities

                        This article reports that the Shanghai Veterinary CDC tested retained samples of some of the dead swine found in the Huangpu river for avian flu. They tested 34 samples. All were negative. But given that there were thousands of dead pigs, it seems to me that 34 is a statistically insignificant sampling.


                        Machine translation of original article:

                        "April 2, 2013

                        Anhui avian source of infection in patients with unknown

                        ...Shanghai dead pigs free of the disease,

                        Shanghai to strengthen the prevention and control of H7N9 avian influenza, the Shanghai Animal CDC today salvaged Huangpu River upstream float the dead pigs sampling Thirty-four retained samples for universal primers detection of avian influenza, avian influenza virus is not found."



                        "What information consumes is rather obvious: it consumes the attention of its recipients. Hence a wealth of information creates a poverty of attention, and a need to allocate that attention efficiently among the overabundance of information sources that might consume it." - Herbert Simon

                        "The benefits of education and of useful knowledge, generally diffused through a community, are essential to the preservation of a free government." - Sam Houston

                        Comment


                        • #57
                          Re: China - Three confirmed cases of human infection with H7N9 avian influenza - Two fatalities

                          This article quotes the Jiangsu Disease Control and Prevention Center as specifying an incubation period of 1 - 3 days.

                          Machine translation of [URL="http://www.singtao.com/breakingnews/20130401e151341.asp"]original article[/URL

                          "Dyed H7N9 female patients did not de-risk period (China)
                          2013-04-01

                          ...Jiangsu Disease Control and Prevention Center, has been seriously ill patients admitted to hospital, the new virus's incubation period is shorter, only about 1-3 days. The center also pointed out that there are methods to detect viruses, but because of the limited information available, not clear whether human-to-human transmission of the new virus, but the lower the risk of infection speculated public...".



                          "What information consumes is rather obvious: it consumes the attention of its recipients. Hence a wealth of information creates a poverty of attention, and a need to allocate that attention efficiently among the overabundance of information sources that might consume it." - Herbert Simon

                          "The benefits of education and of useful knowledge, generally diffused through a community, are essential to the preservation of a free government." - Sam Houston

                          Comment


                          • #58
                            Re: China - Three confirmed cases of human infection with H7N9 avian influenza - Two fatalities

                            Machine translation of original article:

                            "Port checkpoints strict precautions against avian suspect that isolation

                            2013-04-02

                            ...SAR Food and Health Bureau, high-Yong Wen yesterday in Hong Kong, said, the most worried about the mutation of the virus, or even human-to-human transmission, and therefore think that is most important to determine which one male deceased's two famous people whether the same subject to infection, currently with the Mainland authorities in close contact, Request suspected cases of gene sequencing, while Hong Kong's mark also stepped up security, suspected cases at any time isolation.

                            Close liaison with the Mainland authorities

                            The world's first case of human infection with the H7N9 avian flu cases in the Mainland, the three confirmed infection of H7N9 patients and not on any public health school, Ko Wing-man, a radio interview yesterday, said that this virus does not come from a single source of the disease, anxiety some places the poultry animals already epidemic popular not rule out the possibility that the virus gene "shuffle". "We will be closely linked with the mainland CDC and the National Quality Supervision and Inspection and Quarantine to obtain further details of several patients and the other two not currently confirmed to have been infected with H7N9 patient information, including illness and symptoms how, even H7N9 situation and gene sequencing of the virus."...



                            "What information consumes is rather obvious: it consumes the attention of its recipients. Hence a wealth of information creates a poverty of attention, and a need to allocate that attention efficiently among the overabundance of information sources that might consume it." - Herbert Simon

                            "The benefits of education and of useful knowledge, generally diffused through a community, are essential to the preservation of a free government." - Sam Houston

                            Comment


                            • #59
                              Re: China - Three confirmed cases of human infection with H7N9 avian influenza - Two fatalities

                              Some details on the history of the cases.

                              Machine translation of original article:

                              "Department of H7N9 avian flu mortality pork vendors
                              Apr. 02, 2013

                              Moderator: In the three cases which has diagnosed, the 87-year-old Lee and 27-year-old Wu, actively rescuing died Anhui Mr. Han, Nanjing, Jiangsu active treatment. Our station reporter yesterday were rushed to Shanghai and Anhui, visited three patients with onset of the process and more details.

                              Commentary: On February 19 this year, the Shanghai Minhang District, one surnamed Li, father and sons, respectively, due to the occurrence of symptoms such as fever, cough treatment in the Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, 85-year-old father and 55-year-old son was diagnosed with severe pneumonia, about March 4 after the rescue died, the eldest son was diagnosed with lung infection, pneumonia, has been cured, which is found only in the 87-year-old father cases of H7N9 avian influenza.

                              Yuan Zheng An, deputy director of Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control (): three people in his home, he and his two sons have similar similar symptoms. But so far only found in him the H7N9 avian influenza virus.

                              Commentary: According to the Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control survey, surnamed Li, father and sons before the onset of no contact with birds, but also did not go out history. While the other one dead, 27-year-old male Wu, February 27, also because of symptoms such as cough, fever treatment in the Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai. March 10, after she died.

                              Reporter learned that Wu is engaged in pork sales to the Shanghai Minhang one vegetable market from Jiangsu in January of this year, although the vegetable market poultry sales, but Wu with them and there is no contact.

                              Yuan Zheng security: to the scene to investigate the situation, his booth with stalls selling poultry (farther) apart, or two corners, is still relatively far apart, we estimate that there are about 20 meters distance. We introduce, according to his family, he usually is unlikely to go over there and those things contact.


                              Commentary: Another the patients Mr. Han from March 15 start fever symptoms, no signs of improvement in the local hospital.

                              On the afternoon of March 20 due to severe pneumonia, Mr. Han Go to the Southeast University in Nanjing Zhongda hospital for treatment. According to the survey, Mr. Han is a housewife, sickness ago been in contact with poultry.

                              Xuxue Wei, deputy director of (Chuzhou Center for Disease Control): patients before the onset of a week, that is, March 9, and her husband at the farmers market to buy a chicken, have some contacts in the process of picking the chicken. But that chickens are not slaughtered by marketers slaughtered by her home after processing.


                              Commentary: But there is no sufficient evidence to prove that the behavior of patients infected with the buy chicken significantly associated."



                              "What information consumes is rather obvious: it consumes the attention of its recipients. Hence a wealth of information creates a poverty of attention, and a need to allocate that attention efficiently among the overabundance of information sources that might consume it." - Herbert Simon

                              "The benefits of education and of useful knowledge, generally diffused through a community, are essential to the preservation of a free government." - Sam Houston

                              Comment


                              • #60
                                Re: China - Three confirmed cases of human infection with H7N9 avian influenza - Two fatalities

                                [Source: Government of Hong Kong PRC SAR, full text: (LINK).]
                                SFH on human cases of Influenza A (H7N9) on the Mainland


                                Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Ko Wing-man, after officiating at a public function this afternoon (April 2):


                                Reporter:

                                (On the outbreak of human cases of Influenza A (H7N9) on the Mainland.)


                                Secretary for Food and Health:

                                ??In the morning of March 31, we received notification (from the National Health and Family Planning Commission) of three cases of Influenza A (H7N9) affecting three persons in Shanghai and Anhui in the Mainland.

                                ??The two patients in Shanghai have passed away and the other patient in Anhui is still receiving intensive medical treatment in Nanjing.

                                ??We are concerned about these reports because, firstly, two of the three patients have already died and hence superficially the death rate is quite high.

                                ??Secondly, there is no epidemiological linkage among the three reported cases which means that the three patients might have contracted the illness through different sources.

                                ??This will have an implication as to whether there is a spreading of this new H7N9 virus among poultry in the Mainland.??


                                Reporter:

                                (On the enhanced surveillance and control measures in Hong Kong.)


                                Secretary for Food and Health:

                                ??I convened an urgent meeting this morning with the Centre for Health Protection (of the Department of Health), the Hospital Authority, the Centre for Food Safety (of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department), and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (to discuss the enhanced surveillance and control measures in view of the confirmed human cases of Influenza A (H7N9) on the Mainland.)

                                ??Various measures will be stepped up. Regarding the border control, we will ensure that the temperature measuring arrangement at all entry points to Hong Kong will be strictly adhered to.

                                ??The infectious control measures in the hospitals will also be stepped up.??


                                Reporter:

                                What do we know of this new virus so far?


                                Secretary for Food and Health:

                                ??The Mainland Authority has already uploaded the full gene sequence of this particular H7N9 virus onto the website and our experts in virology are able to have some insights into the properties of the virus.

                                ??Firstly, it has an element enabling it to be adapted to the human environment and that is why there are human infections.

                                ??Secondly and luckily, there is no evidence to show that there is drug-resistance (of this virus) to the two commonly used anti-influenza medications, including Tamiflu.??

                                (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)


                                Ends/Tuesday, April 2, 2013
                                Issued at HKT 16:05
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