Early response to the emergence of influenza A(H7N9) virus in humans in China: the central role of prompt information sharing and public communication.
OBJECTIVE
In 2003, China's handling of the early stages of the epidemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) was heavily criticized and generally considered to be suboptimal.


METHODS
Following the SARS outbreak, China made huge investments to improve surveillance, emergency preparedness and response capacity and strengthen public health institutions. In 2013, the return on these investments was evaluated by investigating China's early response to the emergence of avian influenza A(H7N9) virus in humans.


METHODS
Clusters of human infection with a novel influenza virus were detected in China - by national surveillance of pneumonia of unknown etiology - on 26 February 2013.


RESULTS
On 31 March 2013, China notified the World Health Organization (WHO) of the first recorded human infections with A(H7N9) virus. Poultry markets - which were rapidly identified as a major source of transmission of A(H7N9) to humans - were closed down in the affected areas. Surveillance in humans and poultry was heightened and technical guidelines were quickly updated and disseminated. The health authorities collaborated with WHO in risk assessments and risk communication. New cases were reported promptly and publicly.


CONCLUSIONS
The relevant infrastructures, surveillance systems and response capacity need to be strengthened in preparation for future emergencies caused by emerging or existing disease threats. Results of risk assessments and other data should be released promptly and publicly and such release should not jeopardize future publication of the data in scientific journals. Coordination between public health and veterinary services would be stronger during an emergency if these services had already undertaken joint preparedness planning.
World Health Organization Office in China, 401 Dongwai Diplomatic Office Building, 23 Dongzhimenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100600, China .
Sirenda
S
Vong
World Health Organization Office in China, 401 Dongwai Diplomatic Office Building, 23 Dongzhimenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100600, China .
Michael
M
O'Leary
Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China .
Zijian
Z
Feng
D000818:Animals; D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D003142:Communication; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D064766:Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype; D005585:Influenza in Birds; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D033181:Information Dissemination; D007373:Interinstitutional Relations; D011200:Poultry / Q000821:virology; D011635:Public Health Administration; D015980:Public Health Practice; D018571:Sentinel Surveillance; D014944:World Health Organization