Jiangsu and Zhejiang Provinces – Credit Wikipedia
# 7105
Information on China’s bird flu outbreak continues to arrive this morning in piecemeal fashion, as with these latest reports of 2 cases in Jiangsu province and 1 case in Zhejiang Province, but overall our understanding of the situation remains poor.
Although rising case counts are concerning, without knowing the identity of the reservoir host, how the virus is being spread to humans, and ultimately how many people have been infected, we are left with too little information to make any reasonable predictions about where this outbreak is headed.
For now, we remain very much in watchful waiting mode - but encouragingly - we have yet to see any signs of sustained human-to-human transmission of the virus.
The following statement comes from the Jiangsu Provincial Health Department.
Jiangsu Province 2 new cases of human infection of H7N9 avian influenza confirmed cases
Published :2013 -4-10
Health Department of Jiangsu Province, April 10 Bulletin, Jiangsu Province, the new confirmed cases of human infection of H7N9 avian influenza.
Patients Chen, male, 70 years old, and now live in Wuxi Huishan. Onset of March 29, April 10, the provincial expert group diagnosis of the cases of human infection of H7N9 avian influenza confirmed cases. Currently in critical condition. After investigation, the close contacts of the cases to a total of 18 people have a fever or respiratory symptoms were not found until now.
Patients Xu, male, 74 years old, Jiangyin City, Wuxi City. The onset of April 2, April 10, the provincial expert group diagnosis of the cases of human infection of H7N9 avian influenza confirmed cases. Current serious condition. After investigation, the close contacts of the cases there were 13 people, have a fever or respiratory symptoms were not found until now.
We’ve also a news report from the Zhejiang Daily indicating a new case in Zhejiang Province, although I can find no announcement on the Zhejiang Provincial Health Department website.
This IFeng report h/t FluTrackers.
Zhejiang new cases of human infection with the H7N9 avian flu cases in the 10th
Apr. 10, 2013 13:48
News] Health Department of Zhejiang Province, April 10 briefing ended at 12:00 on April 10th, Zhejiang Province, new cases of human infection with H7N9 avian influenza. Patients Humou, male, 65 years old, farmers, Hangzhou , now a hospital for medical treatment. April 10, the provincial CDC report patient specimens for H7N9 avian influenza virus nucleic acid positive and confirmed by the Provincial Health Department organized experts. Currently, the patient's condition is still stable, the hospital is active treatment. Reporter Chen Ning
Assuming both reports are valid, this would bring the total number of cases to 31, with 9 fatalities. We may very well see additional reports later in the morning.
UPDATE: Shortly after I posted this report, I found the following confirmatory update on Hong Kong’s CHP press release site.
Three more human cases of Influenza A (H7N9) verified by NHFPC
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) verified with the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) today (April 10) one human case of Influenza A (H7N9) in Zhejiang and two cases in Jiangsu.
According to the Department of Health of Zhejiang Province, the case involves a 65-year-old man who is currently receiving treatment in hospital and is in a stable condition. The patient's specimen yielded positive for H7N9 upon laboratory testing by the Mainland health authority.
In addition, the Jiangsu Health Department revealed that two male patients aged 70 and 74 are currently in a critical and serious condition respectively. The 31 close contacts of the duo are asymptomatic so far.
A spokesman for the DH stressed that the CHP is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to maintain close liaison with the Mainland health authorities for more case information as well as to keep a close eye on the latest advice from the World Health Organization.
The spokesman also reminded travellers, especially those returning from Shanghai, Anhui, Jiangsu and Zhejiang, with fever or respiratory symptoms, to wear facial masks immediately, seek medical attention, and reveal their travel history to doctors. Healthcare professionals should also pay special attention to those who might have had contact with birds, poultry or their droppings in the affected areas.
