On April 1, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that influenza A (H7N9), a type of flu usually seen in birds, has been identified in a number of people in China. Cases have been confirmed in the following provinces: Shanghai, Jiangsu, Anhui, and Zhejiang. This is the first time this virus has been seen in people. Symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Infection with the new virus has resulted in severe respiratory illness and, in some cases, death. At this time, we do not know the source of this virus; ongoing human-to-human transmission has not been documented.
The US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) is following this situation closely. There is no recommendation against travel to China at this time.
There is currently no vaccine to prevent H7N9. Preliminary tests show that the virus may be treatable with the drugs Tamiflu or Relenza. CDC is repeating its standard advice to travelers and Americans living in China to follow good hand hygiene and food safety practices and to avoid contact with animals. The full list of precautions can be found here http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/watch/avian-flu-h7n9-china.htm
