# 8300
The World Health Organization has released an updated FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) document on the H7N9 virus – the second such update in just over two weeks (see January 29th H7N9 FAQ). As more is learned about this emerging virus, updates like this are very important.
A quick comparison of the January 29th vs. the February 14th FAQ shows that while much remains the same across the 23 Q&A sections, sections 7. How are people becoming infected with H7N9 virus? and 12. Is the source of human infection poultry and live poultry markets?, contain an interesting change.
In the past, transmission has been described as:
Although there have been clusters* of infection (infections in people in close proximity to one another), the virus does not appear to transmit easily from one person to another and further, onward, or sustained human-to-human transmission has not been reported despite investigations and follow up of cases and close contacts of cases.
While maintaining the same description as above, the new FAQ adds:
A minority of cases appear to have resulted from limited person to person transmission.
While hardly a bombshell, given recent reports out of China, this is nonetheless an important change in the FAQ. Follow the link below to read the entire updated FAQ. Due to its size, I’ve only included a few excerpts (bolding mine).
Frequently Asked Questions on human infection caused by the avian influenza A(H7N9) virus
Update as of 14 February 2014
(EXCERPT)
6. Is the H7N9 virus different from influenza A(H1N1) and A(H5N1) viruses?
Yes. All three viruses are influenza A viruses but they are distinct from each other. H7N9 and H5N1 viruses are considered animal influenza viruses that sometimes infect people. H1N1 viruses can be divided into those that normally infect people and those that normally infect animals.
7. How are people becoming infected with H7N9 virus?
The available epidemiological and virological information strongly indicates that most known human H7N9 infections result from direct contact with infected poultry, or indirect contact with infected poultry (for example, by visiting wet markets and having contact with environments where infected poultry have been kept or slaughtered). A minority of cases appear to have resulted from limited person to person transmission. Because H7N9 infections do not cause severe disease in poultry, this infection can spread “silently” among poultry. Under such circumstances, the exact exposure for individual cases of human infection may be difficult to establish.
Although there have been clusters* of infection (infections in people in close proximity to one another), the virus does not appear to transmit easily from one person to another and further, onward, or sustained human-to-human transmission has not been reported despite investigations and follow up of cases and close contacts of cases.
* A “cluster” is defined as two or more persons with onset of symptoms within the same 14-day period and who are associated with a specific setting, such as a classroom, workplace, household, extended family, hospital, other residential institution, military barracks or recreational camp.
8. How can infection with H7N9 virus be prevented?
It is always prudent to follow basic hygienic practices to prevent infection. They include ensuring hand and respiratory hygiene and taking food-safety precautions.
Hand hygiene
- Wash your hands before, during, and after you prepare food; before you eat; after you use the toilet; after handling animals or animal waste; when your hands are dirty; and before and after providing care to anyone in your home who is sick. Hand hygiene will also prevent the spread of infections to yourself (from touching contaminated surfaces) and in hospitals to patients, health care workers and others.
- Wash your hands with soap and running water when hands are visibly dirty; if hands are not visibly dirty, wash them with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand cleanser.
Respiratory hygiene
- When coughing or sneezing, the person should cover her/his mouth and nose with a medical mask, tissue, or a sleeve or flexed elbow; throw the used tissue into a closed bin immediately after use; perform hand hygiene after contact with respiratory secretions.
Food safety
- (see below)
<SNIP>
12. Is the source of human infection poultry and live poultry markets?
Most known human infections results from direct or indirect contact with infected poultry or contaminated environments. A minority of cases appear to have resulted from limited person to person transmission. It cannot yet be confirmed that infected poultry are the only source of infection; and other possible animal or environmental sources of infection cannot be excluded.
