H7N9 bird flu in likely China spread between people, researchers find

[Berlin Expat]

Source: NBC News

The first scientific analysis of probable human-to-human transmission of a deadly new strain of bird flu that emerged in China this year gives the strongest evidence yet that the H7N9 virus can pass between people, scientists said on Wednesday.

Research published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) analyzing a family cluster of cases of H7N9 infection in eastern China found it was very likely the virus "transmitted directly from the index patient (a 60-year-old man) to his daughter."

Experts commenting on the research said while it did not necessarily mean H7N9 is any closer to becoming the next flu pandemic, "it does provide a timely reminder of the need to remain extremely vigilant."

Read more: http://www.nbcnews.com/health/h7n9-bird-flu-likely-china-spread-between-people-researchers-find-6C10862531

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While it's not yet time to start thinking "12 Monkeys", the fact that H7N9 is capable of human-to-human transmission is a cause for concern. I'm sure that the 1918 influenza pandemic - the 'Spanish Flu' - started off small as well, and look how that ended up; between 50 to 100 million dead.

[PotatoChip]

1. If this turns out to be the flu of the year,

I'm getting my shot as soon as it becomes available. I had H1N1 in 2009, and it was absolutely miserable. Ugh! Worst flu of my adult life.

[Berlin Expat]

2. It could be the

"flu of the year". I never had H1N1, though I'm well aware of it; there weren't too many cases in the Czech Republic. I certainly do hope that H7N9 doesn't turn out to be anything like the 1918 Pandemic - that one killed between 3 to 5% of the world's population at that time, a genuine natural disaster by any definition.

[PotatoChip]

3. Yes, the 1918 pandemic was very bad.

My grandmother barely survived it. She was 9 at the time, and living in Philadelphia. I've since read that Philly was hit very hard by it.

But it, by no means, was localized to just the US, as you are aware. The book I read was highly suggestive of troop movement through-out Europe during WW1 being, in part, responsible for the spread of the illness.

[Berlin Expat]

4. There are four

main theories as to the origin, though all agree that WWI troop movements were likely the reason for its rapid spread.

One theory holds that it started in Kansas and spread via troop deployments to Europe before it looped back; another that it started in China, came to the US via commercial shipping, mutated in the US and spread; another that it started in Étaples, France at a major troop staging grounds/hospital and a newer theory that suggests, using evidence from the archives of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire, that the outbreak began in Austria in the spring of 1917 and spread like wildfire - first through the respective armies of the Central Powers - before it came into contact with Allied soldiers and spread through their ranks and ultimately, the world.

[PotatoChip]

5. Fascinating stuff.

I had heard of the Kansas part, but was unaware of the rest. Thanks for the additional info.

One thing seems clear, though. And that is the "Spanish Flu" name for the Pandemic seems unfair in hindsight.

[madokie]

6. I believe I'm right in stating this

all flu's have their beginning in one little valley in China in swine. It moves to foul which then transmits it thoughout the world during their migration.
I don't remember the name of the valley and I don't have a readily available link. I'm working from memory.
Maybe someone can either confirm what I typed or educate me otherwise with some links

[Seedersandleechers]

7. I think the key to

this article is "unsanitary" conditions.



http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bird-flu/DS00566/DSECTION=causes

[Link Speed]

8. Agreed

When humans are coexisting with birds in unsanitary conditions, how does one prove human-to-human transmission?

I, for one, will not be losing any sleep over this one.

As for that, I wonder how Texas A&M/Monsanto research for the Universal Poultry Model is progressing. You know, the flu-resistant one.

[thecrow]

9. My grandfather, in WW1, in France

woke up in a hospital one day with no idea what happened to him. The nurse came over and said, "Oh! You're alive!" He then was told he had the flu, and recuperated, though he had respiratory troubles relating to his experience for the rest of his life.