[trisham]

Yes, this new one has already picked up genetic segments, apparently from exposure in pigs, that makes it better at surviving and reproducing in mammalian (including human) respiratory tracts. They’ve never seen these gene segments in this type of avian flu outbreak in humans.

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I'm very concerned about this outbreak. In the past, I've not been apprehensive, but this strain may be the one that puts all previous nonchalance to rest.

[LucyT]

China confirms 4 more cases of H7N9 bird flu

FOUR people in eastern Jiangsu Province have been confirmed as being infected with the lesser-known H7N9 bird flu, bringing the total number of infections in the country to seven.

The four, from four cities in Jiangsu, are in a critical condition and under emergency treatment, the provincial health bureau said in a statement yesterday.

The four were confirmed as having H7N9 avian influenza by an expert team summoned by the provincial health bureau, based on clinical observations, laboratory tests and epidemiological surveys, the statement said.

http://www.shanghaidaily.com/nsp/National/2013/04/03/China%2Bconfirms%2B4%2Bmore%2Bcases%2Bof%2BH7N9%2Bbird%2Bflu/