Researchers are tracking pandemic potential of H7N9 bird flu in China

(Cell Press) As of Oct. 5, a total of 1,562 laboratory-confirmed cases of H7N9 avian flu virus have been reported to the World Health Organization, with more people getting infected each year. In a study published in the journal Cell Host& Microbe, researchers found that H7N9 viruses replicated efficiently in human airway cells and the lungs of animal models, spread among ferrets via respiratory droplets, and were minimally responsive to commonly used antiviral drugs.
Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news