Public Health Notice: H7N9 avian flu in China

01 Oct 2013
Information is reviewed on a regular basis and updated as required.

Why you should take note

The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed a new type of avian influenza virus in humans identified as A(H7N9) in the People’s Republic of China. Most cases develop severe pneumonia and breathing difficulties with some resulting in death. Additional cases are expected. Official numbers are available here.

On April 24, the WHO confirmed the first case of the virus outside mainland China. The Taiwanese individual had worked in mainland China, which is where he was most likely infected

Risk to Canadians

The avian influenza (H7N9) virus causing illness in people in China has not been identified in people or birds in Canada.

While emerging information suggests the possibility of some limited human-to-human transmission of this virus in China, there has been no evidence of ongoing human-to-human transmission. The risk to Canadians remains low.

There is no risk of catching the flu virus by eating well-cooked poultry. Canada does not import raw poultry or raw poultry products from China.

Canadians can help protect themselves and their fellow citizens from influenza in general by:

• Washing hands frequently;
• Covering coughs and sneezes;
• Keeping common surfaces clean; and
• Staying home when sick.

Travel information

While the Agency is not advising any travel restrictions related to this event at this time, a Travel Health Notice has been posted to provide advice to Canadian travellers. We will continue to monitor this situation very closely and advise Canadians as appropriate.

What the Public Health Agency of Canada is doing

The Public Health Agency is working closely with its national and international partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), to monitor flu activity in Canada and around the world.

The full extent of this outbreak, the source of infection and mode of transmission are currently unknown. Chinese health authorities and experts from the WHO continue to investigate the outbreak.

Activities that the Agency is engaged in include the following:

• assessing the risk, on an ongoing basis, of H7N9 being transmitted from an ill traveller to Canadians, by
  • working with our partners, including the Canada Border Services Agency, health and point of entry authorities and international partners, to
    • support screening and detection of ill international travellers, and if necessary,
    • enhance border health measures.
• liaising with the Chinese infectious disease prevention authorities on this outbreak through an Agency medical expert based in Beijing.
• posting information to support professionals working in the field or otherwise affected by this issue:
  • Summary of Assessment of Public Health Risk. This summary includes an explanation of why the risk to Canadians is low, and a summary of key events beginning with the first confirmed reports of illness from the WHO.
  • Interim Guidance – Influenza A (H7N9) Virus: Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for Acute Care Settings. This document provides infection prevention and control guidelines to healthcare organizations and healthcare workers for suspected or confirmed H7N9 flu virus cases in Canada.
  • Joint Biosafety Advisory. This advisory was developed by the Agency and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to assist laboratories in implementing proper biosafety procedures when handling samples containing the H7N9 flu virus.
• moving the Health Portfolio Operations Centre activation level from Level One (Surveillance, Detection and Alerting) to Level Two (Increased Vigilance and Readiness), as a precaution, and to support coordination and surveillance activities. This change was not made due to any change in the risk to Canadians. The risk to Canadians remains low.

The Agency’s National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) is undertaking activities that include the following:

• developing tests that can rapidly detect the virus using the H7N9 genetic sequence made available through the Global Initiative on Sharing Avian Influenza Data (GISAID).
• providing technical expertise and working closely with provincial public health laboratories to ensure they also have the tools and tests required to detect the H7N9 virus.
• collaborating closely and regularly with counterparts in the United States and Europe, sharing important scientific information on this new flu strain.
• conducting advanced research on a live sample of the H7N9 virus, including:
  • determining if antiviral drugs are effective against the virus and
  • developing and testing vaccines to determine if they protect against the virus.
• developing important diagnostic tests, including:
  • a test to detect antibodies against the virus and
  • a test to monitor for any changes in the H7N9 virus.

All research work with the live H7N9 virus is being done under strictly controlled settings in high-containment laboratories.

Additional information

• Public Health Agency of Canada information on avian influenza
• World Health Organization information on avian influenza
• Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Media Contact

Public Health Agency of Canada
Media Relations
(613) 941-8189