An Overview of the Outbreaks of the Avian-Origin Influenza A (H7N9) Virus in the Human

Novel influenza A virus may cause epidemic and outbreak. In February 2013, a novel AIV (H7N9) strain was discovered in Shanghai and spreaded to several provinces. Here we reviewed the cur- rent knowledge of the virus about its epidemiology, clinical features, as well as prevention and cure measures. The data available so far indicated that H7N9 was originated by a reassortment process in birds and contained human-receptor and transmitted to humans through direct contact with live-bird markets. The severity of the respiratory disease caused by novel H7N9 virus in hu- mans can be partly attributed to the age, sex, and underlying medical conditions of the patients. Early antiviral therapy with neuraminidase inhibitors was effective. A universal influenza vaccine is not available, constant surveillance and communication combined with novel research ap- proaches to identify the source and mode of transmission of these viruses and develop alternative and effective anti-influenza strategies are needed to overcome influenza A (H7N9) virus.