H7N9 avian influenza virus will not yet cause widespread transmission
2017/02/25
The National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) released a message on the 15th, stating that last week (February 6-12), 69 cases of H7N9 avian influenza were reported nationwide, with 8 deaths. In the past 3 days, the epidemic has shown a downward trend (February 12-14, the number of H7N9 cases reported nationwide was 3, 1, and 4 respectively, a significant decrease from the previous stage). Experts predict that sporadic cases of H7N9 will still be reported in mainland China in the near future. Existing evidence shows that the virus cannot yet cause large-scale transmission between people.
It is understood that winter and spring are the peak seasons for H7N9 and other respiratory infectious diseases. Since the beginning of last winter, due to various factors such as abnormal climate, avian influenza outbreaks have been prevalent globally, affecting nearly 40 countries and regions in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. The H7N9 epidemic in China has shown characteristics of increased cases, wide distribution, and high sporadic rates, with most cases scattered in the Yangtze River Delta and the Pearl River Delta regions.
The National Health and Family Planning Commission released the "Q&A on H7N9 Prevention and Control" on the 15th. It mentions that the most important risk factor for human infection with the H7N9 virus is direct or indirect exposure to infected live poultry or environments contaminated by infected poultry. Currently, the vast majority of confirmed H7N9 cases in China have a history of exposure to or contact with live poultry before the onset of illness, and the majority have been exposed to live poultry markets. However, there is no evidence to show that the H7N9 virus can be transmitted to humans through properly handled poultry or poultry eggs. In addition, eating cooked food will not cause H7N9 infection.
Monitoring shows that recently reported H7N9 cases are mainly among retirees, housewives, unemployed people, and rural residents; mostly middle-aged and elderly people; many cases have underlying diseases; the vast majority of cases had contact with live poultry or visited live poultry markets before the onset of illness; elderly people and those with underlying diseases have a higher probability of developing severe illness and death after infection.
The NHFPC stated that there is currently no vaccine available to prevent H7N9 virus infection. Seasonal influenza vaccines do not prevent H7N9 influenza, but vaccination can help reduce the likelihood of serious complications and hospitalization due to seasonal influenza. To reduce the occurrence of severe H7N9 cases and deaths, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial, especially the use of antiviral drugs such as oseltamivir phosphate (Tamiflu), which is most effective when used early after the onset of illness.
Can poultry still be eaten? The NHFPC clarified that chicken, duck, and other poultry can definitely be eaten, but safety must be ensured. First, try to avoid buying live poultry directly, direct contact with live poultry, and self-slaughter of live poultry. Buying and eating cold-chain poultry, chilled poultry, and their products with quarantine certificates can greatly reduce the risk of infection with H7N9 and other diseases. Second, do not buy live poultry from street vendors, and do not mix live poultry purchased from live poultry markets or street vendors with home-raised poultry. Third, elderly people should try to avoid or reduce contact with live poultry when buying poultry products, and avoid or reduce visits to environments with live poultry. In addition, keep raw and cooked foods separate, cook thoroughly, and take personal protective measures when contacting live poultry. If symptoms such as fever, headache, nasal congestion, cough, and general malaise occur, wear a mask, seek medical attention as soon as possible, and proactively tell the doctor whether you have contacted poultry and their secretions and excretions before the onset of illness, and whether you have visited live poultry markets.
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