First case of a human infection by dangerous H7N4 bird flu

Dangerous form of avian influenza infects humans

The bird flu has already repeatedly led to a mass extinction of various birds. Now, a particularly dangerous form of bird flu seems to have infected a human for the first time. A woman from Eastern China was confirmed as the first human case of H7N4 bird flu, according to the Chinese authorities.

Officials in China advised residents of the country to avoid public markets with poultry and poultry farms. The reason for this is that a 68-year-old woman from Jiangsu Province was hospitalized on January 1 for treatment. The victim had been infected with the H7N4 bird flu. Meanwhile, the patient seems to have recovered and she was released on January 22nd.

Bird flu viruses can also infect humans and usually affect the respiratory tract. This can lead to serious illnesses and even death. (Image: psdesign1 / fotlia.com)

Virus was detected in the person affected

The woman had contact with live poultry before the onset of symptoms, the Hong Kong's Center for Health Protection (CHP) researchers said Wednesday in a news release. According to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the genes of the virus were detected as avian in the analysis. Bird flu is also known as avian influenza.

Travelers should note some hints

A CHP spokesman said the diagnosis had been confirmed earlier this week. Travelers to the mainland or other affected areas should avoid visiting poultry farms or poultry markets, according to the authorities. In addition, care should be taken to ensure that poultry are present in the vicinity of homes, when relatives and friends are visited, the expert adds.

Be sure to avoid contact with bird droppings

Freshly slaughtered or live poultry should not be purchased at the moment. The contact with the feces of poultry (bird species, which are bred as livestock or pets) or other birds should also be avoided. Personal hygiene and hand hygiene in particular must be strictly followed when visiting a place with live poultry, experts suggest.

For symptoms, consult a doctor

If travelers return from the affected areas, they should consult a doctor immediately if symptoms appear. The doctor should be informed about the trip to enable a quick diagnosis and treatment of potential illnesses.

Which subtypes of avian influenza are particularly common?

The most commonly identified subtypes of avian influenza that can infect humans are the H5, H7 and H9 viruses. But even such transfers are very rare, explain the staff of the Center for Health Protection (CHP). There are a total of nine known subtypes of H7 viruses, of which H7N4 is one. The most frequently identified H7 viruses associated with human infection represent an Asian strain of avian influenza A (H7N9) viruses. These were first discovered in China in 2013. Although infections in humans are very rare, they lead to severe respiratory disease and not infrequently to death, explains the experts in a guide to the Center for Health Protection.

Development of infections is strictly monitored

In addition to the H7N9 viruses of the Asian lineage, H7N2, H7N3, H7N7 viral infections were also detected. These viruses have primarily caused mild to moderate human disease. Authorities have been concerned since the end of 1997 about the possibility of a potentially devastating avian influenza pandemic after 18 people in Hong Kong were infected with the H5N1 virus, six of which died. The CHP emphasizes that infections are monitored closely and are working closely with the World Health Organization (WHO) and relevant health authorities to monitor the latest developments. (As)