Chinese authorities have been responding to increased concern about the spread of the H7N9 strain of avian flu.  CBS News reports that authorities in eastern China have banned the sale of live poultry, trying to curb the spread of the disease while the high travel season during Chinese New Year is underway.  There has been a recent jump in cases during this 40-day travel period around Chinese New Year.  This high season concerns health authorities because of the volume of people traveling in crowded trains and buses, often with live chickens aboard.

According to AFP, Hong Kong responded by killing 20,000 chickens imported from mainland China after finding avian flu in the poultry.  The number of human cases in China this month is 102 with 22 deaths.  In Hong Kong, there have been two deaths since December, with both victims having returned from mainland China recently.  Hong Kong’s only wholesale poultry market, Cheung Sha Wan, is now shut for 21 days for disinfection.

The World Health Organization (WHO) describes H7N9 as one strain in a subgroup of influenza viruses that normally circulate among birds.  Until recently, this virus had not been seen in people.  However, human infections have now been detected.  So far, officials only have limited information about the scope of the disease the virus causes and about the source of exposure.  Spikes in the disease are alarming because most patients have been severely ill and knowledge of the condition is limited. There is no indication thus far that it can be transmitted between people, but both animal-to-human and human-to-human routes of transmission are being actively investigated.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasize that the human-to-human transmission does not seem to be a strong possibility for infection.  In particular, there is no evidence of sustained community transmission, with most cases linked to poultry exposure.  For concerned travelers, the CDC is not recommending canceling any plans, but exercising caution by not handling birds or other animals and only eating fully cooked poultry.  The CDC emphasizes that the cases seem to be centered on China and there is nothing of unique concern for the U.S. other than general warnings and precautions.