Discovery process, clinical characteristics, and treatment of patients infected with avian influenza virus （H7N9） in Shanghai

• Published in: 中华医学杂志：英文版 2014 (1), p.185-186
• Main Author: Sun Yang Shen Yinzhong Lu Hongzhou
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 上海; 临床特点; 发现过程; 平均年龄; 患者; 治疗; 病毒感染; 禽流感病毒
• ISSN: 0366-6999; 2542-5641

During the spring of 2013,a novel avian-origin influenza A （H7N9） virus emerged and spread in Shanghai.On May 9,2013,33 lab-confirmed cases （2 children and 31 adults） have been reported,among whom 13 died.Among the 31 adult cases of H7N9 avian influenza A virus infections in humans,80.6% （25/31） were older men （average age 65 years）.Clear history of poultry exposure was found in eight patients （8/33,24.3%） and the remaining 21 cases had been suspected poultry exposure.Clustered cases were found in two families （two cases from a father and his son,and the other two cases from a wife and her husband）.However,no evidence of human-to-human transmission had been identified.Avian influenza is one of the most dangerous contagions in poultry worldwide,and avian influenza A virus is the major pathogen responsible.Transmission from poultry to humans has now been proven.Some gene segments of the strain have mutated,and further mutations might result in human-to-human transmission.