Asia – Officials Start Health Screening Measures

As of April 25, health authorities have confirmed 114 cases of avian influenza A(H7N9) and 23 related deaths in or linked to eastern China. Although the vast majority of infections have occurred in the Yangtze River Basin, sporadic infections have occurred in other provinces, including Beijing, Henan, Shandong, and Jiangxi. Public health authorities in several East Asian countries have increased health screening measures at entry and exit points due to concerns over the spread of the avian influenza A(H7N9). Taiwanese officials said that they will test air travelers for avian influenza A(H7N9) if they display suspicious symptoms. Travelers from China are most likely to be tested. Vietnam has also begun screening temperatures of visitors deemed to be suspect at its entry points. Japan has said that it will begin thermographic inspections of travelers from China starting in May. Other countries, including Thailand, the Philippines, and Singapore, have indicated that they may take precautions, but have not yet announced formalized plans. Hong Kong authorities are asking passengers to notify airport staff if they are not feeling well, but are not currently screening travelers. Screening may begin at entry points in these areas in the coming weeks if avian influenza A(H7N9) cases continue to increase and/or spread.