Testing Travelers Returning from China for Avian Influenza A (H7N9) Virus

Message Details
Date Sent: 01/27/2017 03:53 PM EST
Sender: Michigan Health Alert Network
Subject: Testing Travelers Returning from China for Avian Influenza A (H7N9) Virus

Message:
China is currently experiencing the 5th annual epidemic of human infections with avian influenza A (H7N9) virus. Annual epidemics of H7N9 in China have caused 1,035 human cases of illness, with 371 deaths, since 2013. In advance of the Chinese Lunar New Year on January 28, 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending that public health officials consider H7N9 virus infection as a possible etiology among travelers returning from China with severe respiratory illness, especially if they have had exposure to poultry. 

Please find attached important information forwarded from the CDC regarding testing travelers returning from China for avian influenza A (H7N9) virus infection. Unlike individual cases of seasonal influenza, reporting of novel influenza infections (like H7N9) is mandatory. Medical providers are reminded to immediately report any suspect cases to their local health department, or directly to the MDHHS Division of Communicable Disease at 517-335-8165 (after hours at 517-335-9030).  

Sent by the MDHHS Division of Communicable Disease
Attachments:

• Testing travlers China avian influezna A (H7N9) virus.pdf