H7N9 virus is 'extremely dangerous' to humans

The number of people dying from H7N9 flu in China increased to 22, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that this is one of the most dangerous viruses facing doctors and epidemiologists in years recently.

Speaking at a press conference on April 24 in Beijing, Keiji Fukuda, assistant director-general of the WHO in charge of health, security and the environment, said: 'This is an extremely dangerous virus for humans. . We think this virus is more easily transmitted from poultry to humans than H5N1 virus. '

Nearly two months after the first case of H7N9 in China was discovered, the number of these infections has doubled compared to the H5N1 cases in the country over the past decade.

H7N9 virus is found in chickens, pigeons, ducks,
not detected on migratory birds. (Photo: Albcoder)

According to CNN, experts will continue to investigate the source of the disease. Meanwhile, Taiwanese health officials have also confirmed that the first patient infected with H7N9 is in very serious condition. This is a 53-year-old man who travels frequently between Jiangsu, China and Taiwan.

According to the Taiwan Center for Disease Control, this patient did not have a history of contact with birds or birds during his stay in Jiangsu and also did not eat uncooked poultry or eggs. Mr Fukuda said: ' The movement is still very complicated, difficult and is on the rise. So far there is no evidence that the virus spreads from person to person. However, we need to be vigilant, monitor the spread and mutation of this virus. '

Some experts believe that the trend of reducing the number of cases in Shanghai has been recorded after the live poultry markets here have been closed since April 6. Tests so far have not detected any migratory bird samples positive for the H7N9 influenza virus. This virus is found only in chickens, ducks and pigeons at live poultry markets.

Xinhua News Agency reported that the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences published a report showing that human H7N9 influenza virus has a sequence of genes similar to those of H7N9 found in live poultry. It is a combination of genes of different viruses. In this virus, the six genes inside it are from the H9N2 avian influenza virus, but the origin of both the hemagglutinin (HA) gene and the neuraminidase (NA) gene are unknown. This finding is expected to provide important bases for effective epidemic prevention.

The number of cases of H7N9 influenza virus in China is 108, death. 22. Patients still focus mainly in the eastern provinces.