Epidemiological analysis of human infection with H7N9 avian influenza in Hebei province, 2017

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of human infection with H7N9 avian influenza virus in Hebei province in 2017. Methods A total of 36 cases of human infection with H7N9 avian influenza virus in Hebei province in 2017 were selected from the "China information system for disease control and prevention" for the investigation on the epidemiological characteristics of cases. Results The 36 cases were mainly sporadic (34 cases), and were distributed in 32 townships. The incidence peak was reached (20 cases, 55.6%) in May 2017. Farmers accounted for 75.0% (27 cases) of cases and the majority (25 cases, 69.4%) were middle-aged and elderly people. Severe cases accounted for 91.7% (33 cases). Conclusions Middle-aged and elderly people were the main susceptible group to human infection with H7N9 avian influenza virus. The sources of infection were mainly transportation of poultry and free-range poultry farming at home. Key words: Human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9); Virus; Epidemiological studies