Watch VideoImage Source: China Daily
*BY NICHOLE CARTMELL*
The number of bird flu cases in China continues to climb, as the confirmed total of human infections rose to more than 50 Sunday. Eleven people have died from the disease so far.
According to the state-run Xinhua news agency, two new cases were reported in Central China's Henan Province on Sunday.
· One of the two victims began displaying flu symptoms in early April and is currently in critical condition at a local hospital.* *
· The other case involves a 65-year-old farmer who had frequent contacts with poultry in his residence. He is in a stable condition after receiving treatment.* *
This comes after a case was reported in Beijing on Saturday — the first infection outside of the Yangtze River Delta, where the new strain was first identified.
The case involves a 7-year-old girl who is now in stable condition. Her parents, who sell poultry, are in quarantine but have yet to show any symptoms of the disease. (Via China Daily)
Early reports by the World Health Organization indicate the number of cases is not surprising, and the organization’s China representative believes it is likely that more cases will be identified in previously unaffected areas.
The organization says...* “**So far, H7N9 cases have been rare and sporadic. However, cases are being identified across a growing number of counties. It is likely that this will continue.”*
Euronews explains investigators have been working diligently to find the source of the strain, fearing it will become a pandemic similar to the 2003 SARS outbreak. During that time, more that 8,000 people were infected worldwide and nearly 750 died.
According to CNN, the latest strain of the bird flu was never known to infect humans until last month. The World Health Organization found this strain has genetic characteristics that make it well-adapted to infect people. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s biggest worry is that...
*"The H7N9 situation is evolving very quickly. One thing of concern is the pace at which we are seeing the identification of cases."*
As of now, there is no evidence that the disease can be transmitted between humans. Most cases have come from poultry.
Some of the most severe symptoms including acute respiratory distress syndrome and eventually septic shock and multiple organ failure.
Reported by Newsy 8 hours ago.