2 more bird flu cases confirmed in China

Both of these cases are from Shanghai. The first patient is a 74-year-old man, who became ill on March 28 2013, and is now in critical condition. The other is a 66-year-old man who became ill on March 292013 and is considered a mild case, according to WHO's global alert on the outbreak.

 

To date, a total of 18 cases have been laboratory confirmed with influenza A(H7N9) virus in China, including six deaths, ten severe cases and two mild cases.

 

More than 530 close contacts of the confirmed cases are being closely monitored. In Jiangsu, investigation is ongoing into a contact of an earlier confirmed case who developed symptoms of illness.

 

WHO said in the alert that the Chinese government is actively investigating this event and has heightened disease surveillance. Retrospective testing of recently reported cases with severe respiratory infection may uncover additional cases that were previously unrecognized. An inter-government task force has been formally established, with the National Health and Family Planning Commission leading the coordination along with the Ministry of Agriculture and other key ministries. The animal health sector has intensified investigations into the possible sources and reservoirs of the virus.

 

 

WHO has not yet advised special screening at points of entry with regard to this event, nor does it recommend that any travel or trade restrictions be applied.

At this time there is no evidence of ongoing human-to-human transmission.