From 5 to 11 February 2016, 28 new cases of human infection with avian influenza A (H7N9) virus from the Western Pacific Region were reported. The last case was reported 5 February 2016. Onset dates ranged from 21 December 2015 to 25 January 2016. Cases ranged in age from 14 to 91 years, with a median age of 58 years. Of these 28 cases, 18 (64%) were male. The majority (25 cases, 89%) reported exposure to live poultry or live poultry markets; the exposure history of three cases is unknown or no clear exposure to poultry. No clusters were reported. Cases were reported from six provinces and municipalities: Zhejiang (13), Jiangsu (5), Guangdong (4), Fujian (3), Shanghai (2) and Hunan (1). See attachment for individual case information.

WHO is continuing to assess the epidemiological situation and will conduct further risk assessments with new information. Overall, the public health risk from avian influenza A (H7N9) viruses has not changed.

Further sporadic human cases of avian influenza A (H7N9) infection are expected in affected and possibly neighbouring areas. Should human cases from affected areas travel internationally, their infection may be detected in another country during or after arrival. If this were to occur, community level spread is considered unlikely as the virus does not have the ability to transmit easily among humans.

Public health risk assessment for avian influenza A(H7N9) viruses

On 23 February 2015, WHO conducted a public health risk assessment for avian influenza A (H7N9). This assessment found the overall public health risk from avian influenza A (H7N9) viruses has not changed since the previous assessment, published on 2 October 2014. To date, there has been no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission of avian influenza A (H7N9) virus.

For more information on human infection with avian influenza A (H7N9) virus reported to WHO, visit:
http://www.who.int/influenza/human_animal_interface/influenza_h7n9/en/

For more information on risk assessment on avian influenza A(H7N9) virus, visit:
http://www.who.int/influenza/human_animal_interface/influenza_h7n9/RiskAssessment_H7N9_23Feb20115.pdf?ua=1