17 January 2014 - On 15 January 2014, the National Health and Family Planning Commission of China notified WHO of four additional laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus.

Details of the cases are as follows:

• A 35 year old man from Shanghai who became ill on 1 January and was admitted to hospital on 12 January. He is currently in a critical condition. The patient has a history of exposure to poultry.
• A 41 year old man from Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, who became ill on 5 January and was admitted to hospital on 9 January and then transferred to another hospital on 12 January. He is currently in a critical condition.
• A 48 year old man from Foshan City, Guandong Province, who became ill on 2 January and was admitted to hospital on 12 January. He is currently in a critical condition.
• A 55 year old man from Dongguan City, Guandong Province, who became ill on 1 January and was admitted to hospital on 9 January. He is currently in a critical condition. The patient has a history of exposure to poultry.

The source of infection is still under investigation. So far, there is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission.

The Chinese government continues to take the following measures:

• strengthen surveillance and situation analysis;
• reinforce case management and treatment;
• conduct risk communication with the public and release information;
• strengthen international collaboration and communication; and
• conduct scientific studies.

WHO does not advise special screening at points of entry with regard to this event, nor does it currently recommend any travel or trade restrictions.