H7N9 bird flu appears again

Guest post by Tina Hesman Saey

This electron microscope shows influenza A H7N9.

CDC

Chinese health authorities reported a new case of H7N9 bird flu on October 15.

That virus sickened 135 people earlier this year, killing 44. Most of the cases occurred in March and April before poultry markets in the country closed to limit the virus’ spread, but two cases were recorded in July.

It is too soon to tell if the new case represents a resurgence of the flu or is another sporadic case.

See Editor’s Picks: H7N9 flu for ongoing coverage of H7N9 avian influenza.