Press "Enter" to skip to content

Japanese authorities on alert for new bird flu strain; six deaths reported in China, Reuters says

H5N1 avian influenza virus
H5N1 avian influenza virus
TOKYO (TR) – Japanese health officials have stepped up measures to prevent the spread of a new strain of bird flu that has killed six people in eastern China, Reuters said.

Health authorities in China have confirmed 14 infections from the H7N9 avian flu strain, Reuters reported, citing the Xinhua news agency. Six of the deaths occurred in Shanghai, a financial hub and home to 20 million people.

Posters have been placed in airports across Japan warning travelers arriving from China who show flu-like symptoms to immediately seek medical attention. The H7N9 bird flu virus does not appear to be transmitted from human to human, the Reuters report said.

The World Health Organization reported the new strain is so far responding to drugs such as Tamiflu and Relenza, according to the news agency.

Source: Reuters

Photo source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Public Health Image Library