Avian influenza A(H7N9) virus infection

Any patient with suspected or confirmed Asian lineage A(H7N9) virus infection should be commenced on antiviral treatment as soon as possible and isolated in a hospital room, with strict adherence to local and national recommended infection control precautions. Instructions for discharge or home care and risk management of clinically mild illness with Asian lineage A(H7N9) virus infection should be provided by local or national public health departments to fit the needs of the particular case. The public health department will determine whether quarantine of exposed people, other forms of social distancing, and other pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic measures must be undertaken to minimize Asian lineage A(H7N9) virus transmission among exposed people in the community. Physicians should involve local or national public health agencies when managing Asian lineage A(H7N9) cases.

Further information is available from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• WHO: influenza (avian and other zoonotic) Opens in new window

• CDC: information on bird flu Opens in new window