Epidemiological update: increase in reporting of human cases of A(H5N1) influenza, Egypt

​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 8 January 2014, Canada reported a fatal imported case of influenza A(H5N1) infection. This is the first confirmed human case of H5N1 in North America.

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

Since 31 March 2013, one hundred and twenty one (121) cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus have been reported from eight provinces and two municipalities in eastern China and one (1) from Taiwan.

As of 18 April, eighty-seven (87) cases of human infection with influenza A(H7N9) have been reported from six provinces in eastern China.

Since the previous ECDC epidemiological update, 20 new cases of avian influenza A(H7N9) have been reported, including two fatalities in previously confirmed cases. The geographical spread includes two additional provinces: Beijing and Henan.

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.

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 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.