On March 31

2013

the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of China first reported 3 laboratory confirmed cases of human infection with influenza A subtype H7N9 virus

a new avian influenza virus (AIV) in the eastern China. Up to April 15

2013

a total of 63 cases of laboratory confirmed infection have been reported. Most reported cases have severe respiratory illness

and 14 of them died since February. Scientists of China have found that the influenza A(H7N9) virus was derived from a reassortment of 3 strains of AIV

and substantial mutations have been detected. Compared to seasonal influenza

the susceptibility of human to influenza A(H7N9) virus is low

but some cases are likely to become virus carriers or recessive infection. No person-to-person transmission of the influenza A(H7N9) virus has been found

and the reported cases are not linked to each other. Currently

there is no vaccine or effective treatment available for H7N9 infection

thus

strengthening prevention strategy is critical to avoid being infected. The article aims at discussing the clinic features of the infection of the influenza A(H7N9) virus and recommending some precautionary measures to prevent the infection.