Key Development

As of April 9, 2013, a total of 28 human cases of a new variant of avian influenza A(H7N9), including 22 severe cases and 8 deaths, have been reported with no established epidemiological link between them in four provinces in eastern China (Shanghai, Anhui, Jiangsu, Zhejiang). An investigation of 600 people in close contact with confirmed cases did not reveal any paucisymptomatic or asymptomatic cases. According to the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture, agricultural authorities reportedly stated that they had detected the A(H7N9) virus in samples taken from pigeons at a market in Shanghai. The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) reported a pigeon (for consumption) that tested positive for A(H7N9) as well as chickens at a market in Shanghai. The emergence of a new influenza virus in humans calls for the utmost caution, especially since the clinical forms observed are most often severe and the source of contamination and route of transmission remain unknown.The risk of the virus spreading in Europe is considered low at this stage. However, the entry into French territory of certain patients arriving from China cannot be ruled out: surveillance has been stepped up in this regard to screen for influenza A(H7N9) in individuals presenting with severe respiratory symptoms after returning from China.