A woman in Hong Kong has become the first person to die of H7N9 influenza. The 59-year-old woman had recently visited the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen.

She was admitted to hospital on December 25th with a fever and tested positive for the virus on December 29th. Despite receiving treatment, she died on January 6th.

What is H7N9 Influenza?

H7N9 influenza is a type of avian influenza, also known as bird flu. The virus was first reported in humans in China in March 2013.

Since then, there have been sporadic outbreaks in China, with a total of 1,668 confirmed cases and 616 deaths reported as of December 2020. Most of these cases have been linked to exposure to live poultry or poultry products.

How Does H7N9 Influenza Spread?

H7N9 influenza is primarily spread through contact with infected birds, such as live poultry or their excrement, or through contact with contaminated surfaces.

The virus can also be spread from person to person through close contact, such as caring for an infected individual without proper protective equipment.

What Are the Symptoms of H7N9 Influenza?

The symptoms of H7N9 influenza are similar to those of other types of influenza. They include:.

Fever
Cough
Sore throat
Muscle aches
Fatigue
Difficulty breathing

In severe cases, H7N9 influenza can lead to respiratory failure, septic shock, and even death.

How is H7N9 Influenza Treated?

There is no specific treatment for H7N9 influenza. Antiviral medications such as oseltamivir and zanamivir may be used to help reduce the severity of symptoms and the length of the illness.

In severe cases, hospitalization and supportive care, such as oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation, may be required.

Can H7N9 Influenza be Prevented?

Prevention of H7N9 influenza involves avoiding exposure to infected birds or their excrement, practicing good hand hygiene, and avoiding contact with individuals who are known to be infected.

There is also a vaccine available for H7N9 influenza, although it is not currently recommended for widespread use.

How Worried Should We Be about the First Death in Hong Kong?

While the death of the woman in Hong Kong is concerning, it is important to note that this is not the first case of H7N9 influenza in the region.

In fact, there have been several cases of the virus reported in Hong Kong and other parts of China in recent years. Furthermore, there is currently no evidence to suggest that this particular strain of H7N9 influenza is more dangerous or more easily transmitted than previous strains.

That being said, it is still important to take precautions to prevent the spread of all types of influenza, including avian influenza.

This includes practicing good hand hygiene, avoiding exposure to live poultry or poultry products, and seeking medical attention if you develop symptoms of influenza.

The Bottom Line

The death of the woman in Hong Kong is a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by avian influenza, particularly in regions where the virus is known to be present.

While there is no need to panic, it is important to remain vigilant and take appropriate precautions to reduce the risk of infection. This includes practicing good hand hygiene, avoiding contact with infected individuals, and seeking medical attention if you develop symptoms of influenza.