The Health and Family Planning Commission of Guangdong Province has reported an additional two human cases of avian influenza A(H7N9) today.

China /CIA
China /CIA

The cases from Jieyang and Zhongshan were hospitalized and treated and are currently in stable condition.

An official with the Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection (CHP) said,  “H5 and H7N9 avian influenza viruses can cause severe infections in humans. Due to the seasonal pattern, our risk assessment shows that the activity of avian influenza viruses is expected to increase in winter months. Increased numbers of human H5N6 and H7N9 cases have been recorded in the Mainland since this winter.

“Locally, birds positive for H5N6 were also detected this winter. The public, particularly poultry traders, travellers and those who may visit the Mainland in the coming Lunar New Year, which begins on Feb. 8, should be highly alert. Do not visit poultry markets and farms. Avoid poultry contact.”

From 2013 to date, 680 human cases of avian influenza A(H7N9) have been reported by the Mainland health authorities.

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