5/1/13 UPDATE Regarding Influenza A(H7N9) Virus in China
According to the World Health Organization, to date, there have been about 130 confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza in the provinces of Fujian, Jiangxi, Shandong, Jiangsu, Henan, Hunan, and Zhejiang–and two municipalities–Beijing and Shanghai.
CET continues to watch the situation carefully via the monitoring of local news in China, the US Embassy in Beijing, reports from the WHO and CDC, and media reports from US and international news agencies. CET overseas staff in China are regularly updating students with the latest information. Though there is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission at this time, Chinese officials and international health organizations are carefully monitoring the development of this virus, and providing regular updates.
At the current moment, the CDC and WHO recommend taking common sense precautions, like not touching birds or other animals and washing hands often. Poultry and poultry products should be fully cooked before eating. The CDC and WHO do not recommend that people delay, restrict, or cancel trips to China
CET recommends checking the following websites frequently:
Latest News from WHO:
http://www.who.int/csr/don/en/index.html
Other resources:
http://www.who.int/influenza/human_animal_interface/influenza_h7n9/en/index.html
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/h7n9-virus.htm
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/watch/avian-flu-h7n9-china.htm
http://beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn/04052013u.html
As always, feel free to call CET if you have concerns about the health and wellbeing of our students in China.
-Adam Jones, Senior Manager, Asia Programs
-Ingrid Lombardo, China Programs Manager
Great video of CET Shanghai alumnus, Oscar Wang
Check out this great video of Fall 2012 CET Shanghai alumnus, Oscar Wang, courtesy of Haverford College. Oscar describes his experience interning with the Essential Learning Group of Shanghai, one of the only schools within all of China that specializes in education. As an education minor at Haverford, this specific internship component was very important to Oscar when choosing a study abroad program in China. Find out more about the CET Shanghai program here: http://cetacademicprograms.com/programs/china/chinese-studies-internship-shanghai/
Study Abroad Highlight: Interning and Studying in Shanghai from Haverford College Study Abroad on Vimeo.
Reliable Sources on H7N9 (Bird Flu) in China
There are many news reports circulating about the H7N9 (“bird” or “avian flu”) virus in China. CET wants you to have the most reliable information possible. We are regularly checking the following websites, which we believe to be credible. We will continue to monitor these sites regularly for the latest information and we encourage you to do the same.
The World Health Organization, Global Alert and Response: http://www.who.int/csr/don/en/index.html
The Centers for Disease Control, Avian Influenza A (H7N9) Virus: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/h7n9-virus.htm
The Centers for Disease Control, Travelers’ Health: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/watch/avian-flu-h7n9-china.htm
Embassy of the United States in Beijing: http://beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn/04052013u.html
US Department of State, Travel Warnings and Alerts: http://travel.state.gov/
Note: As of this posting (4/10/13), the WHO reports “no evidence of ongoing human-to-human transmission. WHO does not advise special screening at points of entry with regard to this event, nor does it recommend that any travel or trade restrictions be applied.”
Avian Flu Outbreak in China
You may have heard news stories about the Avian Flu Outbreak in China. CET would like you to know that we are monitoring the situation carefully and keeping our students apprised of the facts. Here is what we are telling our students in China at this time:
- The risk of human infection from avian influenza is generally low, but it is greater for individuals with frequent, close contact with live poultry and/or wild birds.
- Stay away from live birds and undercooked poultry.
- Avoid areas where birds congregate.
- Wash hands regularly with soap and water; use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable.
If you would like further information about the outbreak, please see the World Health Organization’s Frequently Asked Questions on human infection with influenza A(H7N9) virus in China http://www.who.int/influenza/human_animal_interface/faq_H7N9/en/index.html. As always, please feel free to call us if you have concerns about the health and well-being of our students in China.
-Ingrid Lombardo, CET China Programs Manager
*4/8/13 UPDATE regarding influenza A(H7N9) virus in China
On 4/7/13, the World Health Organization issued an update that included the following statement:
“At this time there is no evidence of ongoing human-to-human transmission. WHO does not advise special screening at points of entry with regard to this event, nor does it recommend that any travel or trade restrictions be applied.”
Source: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2013_04_07/en/index.html.
**4/10/13 UPDATE
This is the latest update from the WHO on bird flu in China: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2013_04_09/en/index.html.
The conclusion remains the same: “At this time there is no evidence of ongoing human-to-human transmission.
WHO does not advise special screening at points of entry with regard to this event, nor does it recommend that any travel or trade restrictions be applied.”
CET Academic Programs