Chinese Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention confirmed that the mutation of H7N9 which found by Guangdong CDC in January, will increase the infectivity of H7N9 among poultries, but not to human.
Guangdong CDC found the virus mutation in January when they did gene sequencing analysis to two H7N9 cases. Guangdong CDC reported this situation to Chinese CDC and WHO immediately.
On the basis of joint study with experts from the agricultural sector, China CDC has concluded that the mutation "does not make the virus more infectious to human at the moment."
According to He Jianfeng, the chief expert of Guangdong CDC, the virus mutation can make the poultries catch H7N9 and die easily; however, the study of Chinese CDC indicates that the virus mutation to human has not happened yet.
“H7N9 can be prevented and controlled.” He Jianfeng stressed.
He reminds that people should see doctors immediately once they feel headache, rhinobyon and fever. Moreover, people should avoid contacting poultries.
In order to prevent and control H7N9, Live poultry trade will cease for about two weeks in Guangzhou. The ban, effective from Feb. 16 to 28, aims to prevent spread of the avian flu to humans. All poultry markets are ordered to be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
According to health authorities, China reported 79 fatalities from H7N9 avian flu in January.
Since the beginning of the year, 16 provincial regions have reported human H7N9 avian flu cases, with 192 cases in January, according to the National Health and Family Planning Commission.
From Feb. 6 to 12, 69 such cases were reported across the country, including eight fatalities.
BY Steven
