Beijing Confirms First Case of H7N9 Avian Flu in 2016
By Justine Lopez
Beijing announced its first case of the bird flu this year. According to the capital’s health and family planning commission, a patient was diagnosed with the H7N9 strain of the avian flu on Thursday.
This is the same strain of avian flu that was first found in humans in China back in 2013.
The patient is reported to be a 49-year-old chicken farmer from Tongzhou. The avian flu is commonly found among people who have been in close contact with poultry. The Beijing man tested positive for H7N9 on May 26. He is still being treated at Ditan Hospital, where he remains in isolation.
Officials have stated that the potential for the disease to spread is low.
Tongzhou CDC officials have announced that doctors will monitor patients who have undiagnosed flu-like symptoms, as well as those who have a fever higher than 38℃. Such patients will also be asked about any recent exposure to poultry. Those who are suspected of potentially being infected with the bird flu will be tested.
For more Beijing news, click "Read more" below.