The Travel Health and Vaccine Specialists

Health Alert


LEVEL 1 - PRACTICE USUAL PRECAUTIONS

Avian influenza (H7N9 and others) in China

Updated November 19, 2014

Updated: November 14, 2014

Travel Health Notice

Since March 2013, confirmed human cases of an avian influenza virus identified as A(H7N9) have been reported in the People’s Republic of China. The majority of cases have occurred in neighbouring regions in eastern and south eastern China, including the travel-related cases in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Taiwan. The cases of H7N9 flu virus are of particular concern as they are the first reported cases of this avian influenza virus in humans. Additional cases are expected.

For the latest updates on H7N9 flu virus, including the total number of cases and deaths, please visit the WHO’s Global Alert and Response websiteExternal link.

Many different influenza viruses are found in animals and do not normally infect humans. However, some of these viruses (including H9N2 and H10N8) have occasionally caused human illness.

The Chinese government is responding to this event and the investigation is ongoing. The WHO is working closely with the national authorities to better understand the situation. At this time, there is no evidence of ongoing human-to-human transmission.

The Public Health Agency of Canada works closely with its national and international partners, including the WHO, to track all types of flu activity in Canada and around the world. The Agency will continue to monitor the situation and inform the public as information becomes available.

The Agency recommends that travellers reduce their risk by following the tips listed below.