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20 H7N9 cases, 6 fatal, says China
April 8, 2013, 12:53 pm

[Xinhua]

H7N9 is a bird flu virus not previously seen in humans [Xinhua]

Chinese health authorities said that the country had reported a total of 20 H7N9 cases, including six that have ended in fatalities.

This was according to data reports by 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Two patients in Shanghai were confirmed to be infected by the H7N9 avian influenza virus within the 24 fours from 5 p.m. Saturday and are being treated, the National Health and Family Planning Commission said in a brief statement posted online.

Six people who had come into close contact with the two infected patients have been placed under medical observation, the agency said.

H7N9 is a bird flu virus not previously seen in humans.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission.

Shanghai also reported two new confirmed H7N9 cases between 5 p.m. Friday and 5 p.m. Saturday.

The agency said a total of 10 N7N9 cases, including four deaths, have been reported in Shanghai, and three cases, including two deaths, have been reported in east China’s Zhejiang Province.

Jiangsu Province has reported six cases and Anhui Province has reported one.

No epidemiological link between those cases has been identified to date, the agency said, adding that those who have had close contact with people infected by H7N9 have been placed under medical observation and have exhibited no abnormal symptoms.

The Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating whether there has been any human-to-human transmission.

Source: Xinhua