AVIAN INFLUENZA H7N9: A POTENTIAL PANDEMIC THREAT

SUMMARY Avian influenza H7N9 virus is a single stranded, negative sense, enveloped and segmented RNA virus that belongs to the Orthomyxoviridae family. This virus first appeared in march 2013 and it models a pandemic threat to man because of the segmented nature of its genome which makes the virus prone to mutations. This virus if not properly managed may acquire the gene for sustained human to human transmission and pandemic, hence close monitoring and surveillance of the virus is imperative. Men consistently were positive for about 70% of all cases during the five epidemics, while the age and sex distribution differed slightly across the epidemics. Habitation of patients infected with avian influenza H7N9 moved gradually from urban to semi-urban and rural area. Respiratory signs are the largest common clinical presentation and incubation period is generally within seven days. Patients typically present with influenza-like illness with symptoms such as fever, cough with little or no sputum production, and accompanied by headache, muscular soreness, and general malaise. The mainstay of treatment is the administration of antiviral medication. Infection by H7N9 can be managed by surveillance for severe respiratory infections in humans and in animals. Good personal health and hygiene habits are also important for preventing the spread of the virus.