The outbreak of a new type of
bird-flu, the so-called H7N9 virus, has forced Chinese authorities to close
down markets in Shanghai and Nanjing. In this article we provide you with an
update of what we know so far and discuss whether there is reason to be
alarmed.
To date, 43 cases have been
identified, of which 11 have died. The effects of the virus are not fully
known, but severe pneumonia with bouts of fever and shortness of breath appear
to be the most commonly reported symptoms. The virus was initially detected in
Shanghai, Anhuji and Zhejiang provinces and we are not aware of any reports of
the virus spreading to other areas. Therefore, it appears that the closure of
markets in Nanjing is a pre-cautionary action. In addition to closing down
markets in China, it is also estimated that 20,000 or more poultry have been
culled and a ban on import on poultry to China has been implemented.
According to the World Health Organisation
there is no evidence to indicate human-to-human transmission of the virus.
Although there is not vaccination for the H7N9 virus, there are early studies
that have indicated that treatment with drugs that contain oseltamivir and
zanamivir are effective in early detection of the virus. However, this has not
been tested outside of a research environment. In addition to treatment, there
is also ongoing epidemiological research to ensure that we are aware of whether
there are any more cases and to establish whether this virus is spreading
globally.
Based
on all this information, it appears that the spread of this virus is very low
and that there is no reason to be alarmed. It is clear that both precautionary
and reactionary actions are being carried out in many separate areas. As we
have previously written, the shelf-life of bird-flu vaccines is quite long, and
it is promising that neuraminidase inhibitors (ie oseltamivir and zanamivir)
appear to be useful in the treatment of the virus. Lastly, it is worth
remembering that the field of researching vaccinations for H7 strains of bird flu
is far from stagnant. If the virus mutates to such an extent that it can spread
from human to human, then it is also likely that appropriate vaccinations will
have been developed by the time this occurs. Further information is here.