H5N9

Response

H7N9 is a new influenza virus that is spreading in China. The biggest concern with this virus right now, is scientists do not fully understand how this virus is spreading or why the cases seem to be irregular and follow no distinct pattern as they can see as of now. They do however know that this virus is not being spread human-human and are testing various different types of birds and animals, but this is difficult seeing as the numerous amounts of animals there are. Poultry routes and the numbers of large birds being traded are also being investigated for a hint on the cause of this new viral strand.
International experts have gathering on the issue to discuss the outbreaks and mapping of these outbreaks. This information can be used to help to modify farming and trade practices to reduce the risk of human exposure to the virus. The H7N9 virus has mutations that mean that it spreads from birds to humans more easily than does H5N1.
What if this virus could spread human-human? It is pointed out that eastern China, which is the heart of the current H7N9 outbreaks, is one of the world's busiest spots for airline traffic. This virus could easily become a problem worldwide as it is through trade, we can only imagine if the factor of human-human came into play. The first case to happen outside of China will happen in only a matter of time knowing that another countries virus today, will be ours