Bird flu, what you should know.

Since the winter of last year, affected by many factors, such as abnormal climate, the global animal avian influenza epidemic has been on the rise, affecting nearly 40 countries and regions in Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Our reporter learned from the National Health and Family Planning Commission that the number of cases of H7N9 epidemic (human avian influenza) in China has increased, and most of them are distributed in the Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta regions. Contact with infected poultry or exposure to the live poultry market is an important risk factor for human infection. There is evidence that the virus can’t spread widely among people. From February 6 to 12, 2017, 69 cases of H7N9 were reported nationwide, with 8 deaths. At present, the number of new cases is on the decline. Experts predict that there will still be sporadic case reports in mainland China in the near future. Regarding H7N9, the National Health and Family Planning Commission summarized the following knowledge points:

1. What is the H7N9 epidemic?

The H7N9 epidemic is caused by H7N9 virus. Since the first case of human infection with H7N9 was discovered in East China in 2013, seasonal epidemics have occurred in winter and spring every year.

2. What are the main clinical manifestations of 2.H7N9 cases?

The incubation period is usually less than 7 days, or as long as 10 days. Pneumonia is the main clinical manifestation. Patients often have fever, cough and expectoration, which may be accompanied by symptoms such as headache, muscle aches, diarrhea or vomiting. Severe patients’ condition develops rapidly, and severe pneumonia occurs in 3~7 days after onset. Most of them have a temperature above 39℃, and they have difficulty breathing, which may be accompanied by hemoptysis and phlegm. It often progresses rapidly to acute respiratory distress syndrome, septic shock and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. A small number of patients can be mild, only showing symptoms of fever with upper respiratory tract infection. The early onset of H7N9 cases has no specific manifestations, and it is difficult to diagnose and treat early. The treatment effect of severe cases in the later stage is poor and the mortality rate is high. At present, the overall mortality rate of reported cases is about 40%.

3. How does the 3.H7N9 virus spread?

The most important risk factor for human infection with H7N9 virus is direct or indirect exposure to the environment polluted by infected live birds or infected birds. There is no evidence that H7N9 virus can be transmitted to humans through properly handled poultry or eggs. In addition, eating cooked food will not infect H7N9 virus. There is no evidence that H7N9 virus can continue to be "human-to-human".

4. Who are the high-risk people infected with H7N9 virus?

Mainly retirees, housework and unemployed people, rural people; Mostly middle-aged and elderly people; Most cases have basic diseases; The vast majority of cases had contact with live poultry before onset or had been to markets where live poultry were sold. People engaged in non-scale and non-standardized poultry breeding, selling and slaughtering have more opportunities to be exposed to infected poultry, and the risk of infection is higher.

5. Is there a vaccine to prevent the disease? Can seasonal influenza vaccine prevent H7N9?

There is currently no vaccine available to prevent H7N9 virus infection. Seasonal influenza vaccine does not prevent H7N9 influenza.

6. How can we reduce the occurrence of severe cases and deaths of H7N9?

The use of antiviral drugs, such as oseltamivir phosphate (Tamiflu), has the best effect as soon as possible after onset. The clinic of comprehensive patients by medical staff

Bed manifestations and suspicious exposure history, suspected of being infected with H7N9 virus, antiviral drugs should be used as soon as possible, without waiting for the results of pathogen detection, so as to reduce the possibility of patients progressing to severe disease.

7. Will the epidemic get worse?

According to the epidemic law in the past, the number of cases will decrease obviously after the Spring Festival every year, and it will be at a low level until the end of April. At present, the upward trend of the epidemic has been contained.

8. Can poultry be eaten at present?

Birds such as chickens and ducks can be bought and eaten, but they must be eaten safely. First, we should pay attention to avoid direct purchase of live birds, direct contact with live birds and self-slaughter of live birds; Second, don’t buy live birds from mobile vendors; The third is to remind the elderly, especially those with basic diseases and poor physical fitness, to avoid or reduce contact with live birds as much as possible.

9. What preventive suggestions do experts have?

Try to avoid contact with live birds, let alone dead birds, and do personal protection. You can choose to buy chilled and chilled poultry products. Pay attention to separate raw and cooked food when cooking, and cook it thoroughly. If you have symptoms such as fever, headache, stuffy nose, cough and general malaise, you should wear a mask, see a doctor as soon as possible, and take the initiative to tell the doctor whether you have been in contact with poultry. Maintain a healthy lifestyle. ▲