# 829
While still just a tempest in a teapot, the outbreak of H7N2 in the UK is worrisome. The H7 virus has been almost exclusively seen in avian species, and while a low pathogenic strain, the H7N7 version claimed one life in the Netherlands during an outbreak in 2003 involving 89 people.
Whenever a disease primarily found in animals jumps to humans, we sit up and take notice. Sometimes the effects are profound, as in H5N1, and sometimes they are mild, as we've seen in the H7 infections. But the H7 virus continues to mutate, and could reassort with another flu virus, and that could complicate matters down the road.
Whether this outbreak of H7 proves to be more than a brief aberration or not is yet to be seen. But it is a reminder that there are numerous pathogens out there, some worse than others, and that we must remain vigilant if we are to prevent the next pandemic.
Bird flu symptom cases rise to 13
May 31 2007
by Madeleine Brindley, Western Mail
THE number of people with symptoms of bird flu rose to 13 in Wales yesterday.
The National Public Health Service (NPHS) for Wales last night said these 13 have – or have had – flu-like symptoms or conjunctivitis.
They include a healthcare worker, who was working at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, a patient treated at Ysbyty Gwynedd and a child at Ysgol Henllan, near Denbigh.
Health officials have also identified 220 people who have had contacts with either poultry infected with H7N2 bird flu, the Ty’n Llwyn smallholding at the centre of the outbreak, or people who have experienced symptoms.
But none of the 69 patients who were in contact with the man treated at Ysbyty Gwynedd have shown any symptoms of the illness, officials said.
A total of 79 people who were in contact with the healthcare worker have been given the anti-viral medicine Tamiflu.
Dr Marion Lyons, lead consultant in communicable disease control for the NPHS, said, “North West Wales NHS Trust staff have contacted all 69 patients and staff who had been in contact with the patients at Ysbyty Gwynedd. No one reported symptoms of conjunctivitis or flu-like illness in the time period when the flu could have been incubating. So, I am pleased to conclude that there has been no spread of the flu in the hospital.”
Local health boards and other primary care services have introduced a system to help identify patients who may be suffering mild flu-like symptoms or conjunctivitis. Officials expect this to lead to a rise in the number or people suspected of contracting the disease. Dr Lyons said, “We have been looking more closely at these and I expect to identify some new cases of people who could have avian flu.”
It also emerged last night that everyone who has become ill is directly connected either with the infected poultry or the first few cases of illness.
There have been no cases of illness in people with more distant contacts. Tests on 12 of the affected people in Wales have revealed that two have tested positive for the H7 subtype of the virus which was isolated from the affected poultry.
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