To the Editor:
The report entitled “Management of the first confirmed case of avian influenza A H7N9” is very interesting. Qiao et al1 reported that “when the viral infection was identified, strict procedures for disinfection and protection were carried out.” Basically, the standard influenza management guideline can be applied to the management of H7N9 bird flu, and the respiratory infection control process is very important.2 In fact, there are many related publications on H7N9 bird flu management. Chen et al3 noted that “underlying disease, late diagnosis, and untimely antiviral treatment are possible high-risk factors for infections and death.” An important point is the control of infection that might be transmittable to medical personnel. As Qiao et al1 mentioned, there is still no report of medical personnel infection due to contact with patients. In the previous situation of H1N1 swine flu, there were many cases of infection of medical personnel resulting from close contact with patients. In addition, the human-to-human transmission of H7N9 is still a controversial issue.4 A recent animal model study also showed a low possibility of air-borne transmission of H7N9 bird flu.5 Nevertheless, it is necessary for medical personnel to take precaution against infection by H7N9 bird flu after contact with infected patients.
Footnotes
The author has disclosed no conflicts of interest.
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