Taiwan’s first domestically detected novel H7 subtype influenza A case has been identified as H7N7, a low-pathogenic strain, with the risk considered controllable, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said yesterday.
Genetic sequencing found no evidence of increased bird- to-human transmission or mutations linked to antiviral resistance, CDC spokesperson Tseng Shu-hui (曾淑慧) said.
The patient, a duck farmer in his 70s from Changhua County, has recovered and been discharged after testing negative, the CDC said.
Photo: Lin Huei-chin, Taipei Times
The case was reported on Thursday, with authorities identifying 33 contacts who will be monitored through Monday.
Tseng said the virus differs from H7 strains reported in humans in Europe 10 to 20 years ago and is more closely related to strains previously detected in Taiwan’s wild birds, suggesting the infection was likely a sporadic event.
Globally, more than 90 human H7N7 cases have been reported since 1959, most before 2003, with the vast majority involving mild symptoms and only one death recorded.
The CDC cited WHO assessments indicating that avian influenza transmission to humans remains largely sporadic, with no evidence of sustained human-to-human spread.
While the infection risk for the general public is low, Tseng said people with occupational exposure, such as poultry workers, face a low to moderate risk.
The CDC urged those working with poultry to follow protective measures and seek medical attention if they develop respiratory or eye symptoms, while informing doctors of any animal contact history.
The Ministry of Finance this afternoon announced the winning numbers for the March-April uniform invoice lottery. The winning number for the NT$10 million (US$318,060) special prize is 19531471, and the winning number for the NT$2 million grand prize is 85941329. Three numbers were drawn for the NT$200,000 first prize: 07225810, 20231230 and 83518781. Those with receipts matching the last seven digits of any of the first-prize numbers will win the NT$40,000 second prize, while those matching the last six digits will win the NT$10,000 third prize. Those whose receipts match the last five digits of the first-prize numbers can claim the NT$4,000 fourth prize,
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