Risks of avian influenza A(H7N9)

Find out what the risks are and who is most at risk.

What are the risks of getting avian influenza A(H7N9)?

The risk of avian influenza A(H7N9) to Canadians is very low.

In January 2015, Canada reported 2 cases of H7N9 in travellers who returned from a trip to China. These are the first confirmed human infections caused by the H7N9 virus in North America.

The avian influenza A(H7N9) virus has not been detected in birds in Canada.

To date, evidence suggests that avian influenza A(H7N9) is not transmitted easily from person to person. The majority of people in China infected with avian influenza A(H7N9) had previously been exposed to live birds, mostly chicken.

There is no risk of catching avian influenza A(H7N9) by eating well-cooked poultry. Canada does not import raw poultry or raw poultry products from China.

Travellers going to China may find more information in the travel health notice.

The most current information on the number of cases and deaths worldwide from infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) is available on-line. Visit the World Health Organization's global alert and response website.