China has reported a surge in deadly strain of H7N9 avian flu this year. Since the beginning of this year, it has claimed four lives out of the 40 cases reported from the affected cities.
On Thursday, five new human bird flu cases were reported in Zhejiang. The city has seen new H7N9 cases for 15 consecutive days.
Meanwhile, some of the affected cities including Hangzhou, Jinhua and Zhejiang have halted live poultry trading in its main urban areas in order check the spread of the flu. Moreover, the government has also banned flying of carrier pigeons. Zhejiang has seen new H7N9 cases for 15 consecutive days.
Shanghai has not stopped live poultry trading and will do the same from the Spring Festival, which is from January 31 to April 30. The city has reported two more flu deaths out of the eight human H7N9 cases so far this year.
This is the second consecutive year of the problem as over 135 cases were reported in 2013 with 45 fatalities.
Experts believe the winter season and preparation
H7N9, H7N9 virus, H7N9 avian flu, bird flu, bird flu in China, China bird flu, China flu
H7N9 bird flu leaves four dead in China, over 40 case reported this year
China has reported a surge in deadly strain of H7N9 avian flu this year. Since the beginning of this year, it has claimed four lives out of the 40 cases reported from the affected cities.
On Thursday, five new human bird flu cases were reported in Zhejiang. The city has seen new H7N9 cases for 15 consecutive days.
Meanwhile, some of the affected cities including Hangzhou, Jinhua and Zhejiang have halted live poultry trading in its main urban areas in order check the spread of the flu. Moreover, the government has also banned flying of carrier pigeons. Zhejiang has seen new H7N9 cases for 15 consecutive days.
Shanghai has not stopped live poultry trading and will do the same from the Spring Festival, which is from January 31 to April 30. The city has reported two more flu deaths out of the eight human H7N9 cases so far this year.
This is the second consecutive year of the problem as over 135 cases were reported in 2013 with 45 fatalities.
Experts believe the winter season and preparations for Chinese New Year may be catalyse its increase.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the virus is likely to remain present for some time and needs stern vigilance. Therefore, the WHO has also issued a travel advisory or trade restrictions because of bird flu.
Key facts
- H7N9 is capable of evolving resistance to anti-viral drugs with relative ease
- No cases of sustained human-to-human transmission has been reported so far
- Researchers say the virus has the ability to mutate. This allows it to spread more easily among humans.
- If human-to-human transmission becomes possible, the virus would pose a much greater global threat
