Headlines - Surveillance of Infections Associated with the New Avian Influenza Virus A(H7N9)

On March 31, 2013, Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization (WHO) that several cases of infection with a new H7N9-type influenza virus had been identified since mid-February. This is a reassortant virus containing genes from the A(H7N9) and A(H9N2) viruses. This is the first time this strain of influenza virus has been identified in humans. As of April 9, 2013, 28 human cases of a new variant of avian influenza A(H7N9), including 8 deaths, have been reported with no epidemiological link between them in 4 different provinces of China (as of April 3, 2013, 9 cases had been reported). The emergence of a new influenza virus in humans calls for the utmost caution, especially since the clinical presentations observed are severe and the source of infection and route of transmission remain largely unknown. Although the risk of the virus spreading to Europe is considered low at this stage, it is possible that certain patients arriving from China may enter French territory. Surveillance must therefore be strengthened in this regard to screen for influenza A (H7N9) in individuals presenting with severe respiratory symptoms after returning from China. The surveillance and management protocol, drafted based on the recommended procedures for handling possible cases of influenza caused by a new virus, will be updated as knowledge evolves.It should be noted that, as part of the surveillance of emerging diseases, any cluster of hospitalized cases of severe acute respiratory infections—whether or not there is a history of travel to or residence in a high-risk geographic area—must be reported to the ARS and/or the InVS and investigated, particularly among healthcare workers.