China: World’s first case of H7N4 Avian influenza confirmed

Event

China's National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) recently confirmed the world's first case of Avian influenza (type A, H7N4 strain). The patient, from Jiangsu province, was hospitalized from Monday, January 1, until Monday, January 22, and reportedly had contact with live poultry before becoming ill.

Authorities have not recorded any associated outbreak with the case as of Thursday, February 15.

Context

Avian influenza (type A, H7N9 strain) has never before been recorded in human beings.

In humans, the incubation period of avian influenza in general ranges from seven to ten days. Symptoms include eye infection, fever, cough, sore throat, or severe respiratory illness; more virulent forms can result in respiratory failure, multi-organ failure, and even death. Though the risk of transmission from animals to humans is low, the human mortality rate is high once the infection has occurred (around 50 percent).

Advice

Anyone experiencing the abovementioned symptoms, particularly after contact with poultry or poultry products in affected areas, are advised to seek medical attention. As most cases can be traced to direct or close contact with infected or dead poultry, all those present in the China are advised to avoid poultry farms, contact with animals in live food markets, and surfaces that appear contaminated with byproducts from poultry or other animals. Practice good personal hygiene (wash hands frequently, etc.) and ensure that all poultry or poultry products are properly prepared and thoroughly cooked prior to consumption.