​In March 2013, Chinese authorities announced the identification of a novel reassortant A(H7N9) avian influenza virus in patients in eastern China.

​In March 2013, Chinese authorities announced the identification of a novel reassortant A(H7N9) influenza virus in patients in eastern China. Since then, human cases have continued to be reported, and as of 7 February 2014 (Figure 1), there have been 308 laboratory-confirmed cases: Zhejiang (122), Guangdong (54), Shanghai (42), Jiangsu (36), Fujian (19), Hunan (7), Jiangxi (5), Henan (4), Anhui (4) ,Beijing (3), Shandong (2), Hebei (1), Guangxi (2), Guizhou (1), Hong Kong (4) and Taiwan (2). In addition, the virus has been detected in one asymptomatic case in Beijing. 

​On 4 February 2015, the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) of China notified WHO of 83 additional laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus. Onset dates ranged from 20 December 2014 to 27 January 2015.

A steep increase of human cases of avian influenza A(H7N9) has been reported since the beginning of December 2016 from China. At present, the most immediate threat to EU citizens is to those living or visiting influenza A(H7N9)-affected areas in China concludes the updated rapid risk assessment.

Since the last epidemiological update of 3 April, seven additional cases including two fatalities were reported by Chinese authorities. For the first time a child, aged four years, was reported.

As of 8 April 2013, 24 human cases of infection with influenza A(H7N9) virus have been reported in four provinces of China: Shanghai (11), Anhui (2), Jiangsu (8) and Zhejiang (3). Of these patients, seven people have died, fourteen show severe and three mild symptoms.

As of 9 April 2013, 26 human cases of infection with influenza A(H7N9) virus have been reported in four provinces of China: Shanghai (13), Jiangsu (8), Zhejiang (3) and Anhui (2). Of these patients, 8 people have died, 15 are severe cases and 3 are mild cases. No epidemiological link has been identified among cases.

As of 10 April 2013, 33 human cases of infection with influenza A(H7N9) virus have been reported in four provinces of China: Shanghai (15), Jiangsu (10), Zhejiang (6) and Anhui (2). Of these cases, nine people have died, 21 are severe cases and three are mild cases. No epidemiological link has been identified among cases.

As of 11 April 2013, 38 human cases of infection with influenza A(H7N9) virus have been reported in four provinces of China: Shanghai (18), Jiangsu (12), Zhejiang (6) and Anhui (2). Of these cases, ten people have died, 25 are severe cases and three are mild cases. No epidemiological link has been identified among cases.

As of 12 April 2013, 40 human cases of infection with influenza A(H7N9) virus have been reported in four provinces of China: Shanghai (20), Jiangsu (12), Zhejiang (6) and Anhui (2). Of these cases, 11 people have died, 27 are severe cases and three are mild cases. No epidemiological link has been identified among cases.