Global Influenza Programme
We provide Member States with strategic guidance, technical support and coordination of activities essential to make their health systems better prepared against seasonal, zoonotic and pandemic influenza threats to populations and individuals.

Avian influenza A(H7N9) virus

Avian influenza A(H7N9) is a subtype of influenza virus that has been detected in birds in the past. This particular A(H7N9) virus had not previously been seen in either animals or people until it was found in March 2013 in China.
However, since then, infections in both humans and birds have been observed. The disease is of concern because most patients have become severely ill. Most of the cases of human infection with this avian H7N9 virus have reported recent exposure to live poultry or potentially contaminated environments, especially markets where live birds have been sold. This virus does not appear to transmit easily from person to person, and sustained human-to-human transmission has not been reported.

WHO risk assessments of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus

Technical guidance

Background and summary of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus

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