The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) has sent a medical advisory to local healthcare providers advising that Chinese public health officials have reported cases of a novel avian influenza A (H7N9) virus detected in humans. As of today, 16 cases have been confirmed in people from four different provinces in China. No cases have been reported in Hawaii or the mainland United States at this time.
The DOH Disease Outbreak Control Division (DOCD), State Laboratories Division, and CDC Honolulu Quarantine Station are working together to follow the situation closely. “While it is not yet known how people have become infected with influenza A (H7N9), the public is always advised to follow proper hygiene including washing hands, covering coughs, and staying home when ill,” said Dr. Sarah Park, State Epidemiologist.“ Additionally, persons who become ill after travel to China are asked to notify their physician or healthcare provider.”
Influenza A H7 viruses are normally found among birds. Occasionally, H7 viruses have been found to infect humans, but no human infections with H7N9 have been reported until these recent reports from China. At this time, there is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission.
For more information, go to the DOH DOCD web page: http://hawaii.gov/health/DOCD/index.html
Filed under: Announcements, Environment, Hawaii, Health, National Affairs, Rumors, State Affairs Tagged: | Avian influenza, Bird Flu, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, China, Flu Symptoms, Hawaii
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