A Comparative Discussion of the Influenza A(H7N9) and Influenza A(H5N1) Outbreaks
The first human cases of infection from a reassortant avian influenza A(H7N9) virus were reported from the People’s Republic of China (China) on March 31, 2013.[1] Since then more than 145 confirmed and probable human cases of H7N9 infection have been officially reported. Of the cases reported through December 31, 2013, about 71% are male and 29%, female. Among the reported cases, the ages range from 2 years old to 91 years old. The median age is 60. Besides two imported case in Taiwan, one in April and one in December 2013, all other H7N9 have occurred within the country of China. A recent summary of human H7N9 cases is presented on pages 102 and 103 in Update on the situation of avian influenza A(H7N9) infection by the Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection.[2] Another current summary is available from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control.[3] The last official World Health Organization (WHO) tabulation of cases was published in October 25, 2013.[4] ...