It is the time of year when the dreaded flu of birds rears its ugly head. This year, the excessively mild winter has exaggerated the problem, leading to increased numbers of cases, and ultimately, deaths in humans.
Jiangsu reported 52 cases of H7N9 (bird flu) in January, the largest number in China and almost half the 106 cases China wide. Of these, 35 cases led to death while 80 had previously had exposure to poultry or a live poultry market, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Industry experts in China suggest there are significant links between climate and the avian flu outbreak. Since October of last year, which was an unusually, rainy month, increased humidity and temperatures have helped extend the survival of the avian influenza virus. In addition, the hazy winter atmosphere also reduces human resistance to the virus.
Of particular concern is the apparent increased likelihood of human to human transmission. Two such two outbreak clusters have been discovered, the first being in Suzhou where a 66-year-old man who was exposed to a live poultry market died on 12 December and his 39-year-old daughter who, at the time of the report, was suffering from severe pneumonia. in the second cluster, in the nearby city of Hefei in Anhui province, a 66-year-old man who was admitted to hospital with H7N9 symptoms on 17 December and died three days later could well be linked to a 62-year-old man who acquired the symptoms after having been admitted to the same hospital ward.
Considering the increase of laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with H7N9 of late, the Chinese government has enhanced the following measures already undertaken by the National Health and Family Planning Commission of China:
- Strengthened epidemic surveillance and timely risk assessment and studies for any changes in epidemiology.
- Implemented effective control measures on the source of outbreaks and to minimize the number of affected people.
- Strengthened early diagnosis and early treatment, treatment of severe cases, and reduce occurrence of severe cases and deaths.
- Further enhanced medical treatment.
- Joint investigations with the Ministries of agriculture, industry and commerce have visited Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui and Guangdong provinces where more cases occurred for joint supervision, inspection and guidance on local surveillance, medical treatment, prevention and control and to promote control measures with focus on live poultry market management and cross-regional transportation.
- Relevant prefectures in Jiangsu province have closed live poultry markets in late December 2016 while Zhejiang, Guangdong and Anhui provinces have strengthened live poultry market regulations.
- Conducting public risk communication and sharing information with the public.
Authorities are reminding the public to pay special attention to personal hygiene during this period, and not to come into contact with live birds, most notably those of street vendors.
