GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, continues to monitor developments with respect to a new strain of influenza A (H7H9) that has been observed in China in order to ensure that public health is safeguarded.
The standard advice to travelers to China is to follow good hand hygiene and food safety practices and to avoid contact with animals. While in China, avoid touching animals whether they are alive or dead and to avoid live bird or poultry markets and to only eat food that is fully cooked. Similar advice has also been issued by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Persons traveling to China are advised to remain vigilant and observe measures recommended by local Chinese health authorities. The World Health Organization (WHO) does not advise against travel to China at this point in time, as there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission of the virus.
Influenza A (H7N9) is known to affect wild birds and poultry. The cases in China are the first known cases of H7N9 infection in humans. As of May 8, China reported a total of 131 laboratory confirmed cases of human infection, including 32 deaths in the provinces of Fujian, Henan, Hunan, Jiangxi, Shandong, Anhui, Jiangsu, Zhejiang and the municipalities of Shanghai and Beijing. One case was reported by the Taipei Centers for Disease Control.
Age range is two to 91 years old with 54 per cent of cases registered in persons of 60 years or older. Of the total cases reported, 38 are among females and 88 are among males.
Returning travelers from affected areas in China should look out for signs and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as fever and cough, and seek early medical attention if they are will with such symptoms.
The Minister of Public Health Hon. Cornelius De Weever 'Get Checked' campaign emphasizes the importance of individuals informing their doctors of their travel history, should they develop these symptoms after returning to Sint Maarten.
Travelers to China should practice the following: avoid direct contact with poultry, birds or their droppings, and if contact is made, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water; Cook poultry and eggs thoroughly before eating; Wash hands frequently with soap and water (e.g. before handling food or eating, after going to the toilet, or when hands are dirtied by respiratory secretion after coughing or sneezing).
Also while in China avoid crowded places and contact with sick people with fever, and wear a mask when you have respiratory symptoms or are feeling unwell.
