17.05.2013

Eurosurveillance, Vol 18, 16 May 2013

In a study published in Eurosurveillance (Vol 18, 16 May 2013), Han et al analysed the association between influenza A(H7N9) confirmed cases and exposure to poultry in Huzhou city, China (Huzhou city, located in northern Zhejiang Province, China, is the geographical centre of the Yangtze River Delta). All cases (n=12) had a history of direct exposure to poultry or live poultry markets. The researchers detected A(H7N9)-positive poultry samples from each site that was epidemiologically associated with cases. None of the cases’ close contacts tested positive. After closure of 139 live poultry markets (including those tested) in the five districts or counties in Huzhou city, from 11 April to 21 April, no new cases were identified, suggesting an epidemiological link between poultry exposure and A(H7N9) virus infection.