WHO: Human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus - update

16 JANUARY 2014 - On 14 January 2014, the National Health and Family Planning Commission of China notified WHO of 3 additional laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus.

Details of the cases are as follows:

A 29 year old man from Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, who became ill on 2 January and was admitted to hospital on 12 January. He is currently in a serious condition.
A 58 year old man from Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, who became ill on 6 January and was admitted to hospital on 12 January. He is currently in a critical condition. The patient has a history of exposure to poultry.
A 50 year old man from Jinjiang City, Fujian Province, who became ill on 5 January and was admitted to hospital on 11 January. He is currently in a critical condition. The patient has a history of exposure to poultry.
The source of infection is still under investigation. So far, there is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission.

The Chinese government continues to take the following measures:

strengthen surveillance and situation analysis;
reinforce case management and treatment;
conduct risk communication with the public and release information;
strengthen international collaboration and communication; and
conduct scientific studies.
WHO does not advise special screening at points of entry with regard to this event, nor does it currently recommend any travel or trade restrictions.