Information For Health Professionals on
Novel Influenza A Virus (H7N9)
Ask patients with influenza-like illness (ILI) whether they have recent travel to China. Clinicians are reminded to consider influenza as a possible diagnosis when evaluating patients with acute respiratory illnesses, including pneumonia, even outside of the typical influenza season.
At this time, no cases of human infection with Novel Influenza A Virus (H7N9) have been identified in the United States.
On this page:
Case Definition
Reporting, Speciment Collection, and Testing
Infection Prevention and Control
Treatment
- Interim Guidance on Case Definitions to be Used for Novel Influenza A (H7N9) Case Investigations in the United States
CDC Case Definitions. Attention: Non-MDH link
Case Definition
Reporting, Specimen Collection, and Testing
- Contact MDH to report suspect cases and to arrange testing prior to specimen submission. Providers should call MDH at 651-201-5414 or toll-free at 1-877-676-5414 to report suspect cases.
- Specimen Collection and Testing for Novel Influenza A Virus (H7N9)
Criteria and process for specimen collection and testing for Novel Influenza A Virus (H7N9)
- Commercially available rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) may not detect H7N9 virus in respiratory specimens.
- MDH will conduct RT-PCR testing on patients with ILI who meet either of the following criteria:
- Recent (10 days or less) travel to China
- Recent contact with a confirmed human case of infection with Novel Influenza A Virus (H7N9)
Infection Prevention and Control
- Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for confirmed, probable or cases under investigation:
Interim Guidance for Infection Control Within Healthcare Settings When Caring for Patients with Confirmed, Probable, or Cases Under Investigation of Avian Influenza A(H7N9) Virus Infection
CDC Guidance. Attention: Non-MDH link
Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection
- Healthcare facilities should perform environmental cleaning and disinfection procedures in accordance with procedures followed for seasonal influenza.
Personal Protective Equipment
- Ensure adherence to Standard Precautions, plus Contact and Airborne Precautions (including eye protection and use of respiratory protection for all patient-care activities)
Treatment
- To date, Novel Influenza A Virus (H7N9) is considered susceptible to antiviral agents oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza).
- Interim Guidance on the Use of Antiviral Agents for Treatment of Human Infections with Avian Influenza A (H7N9)
CDC Guidance. Attention: Non-MDH link
- Interim Guidance on the Use of Antiviral Agents for Treatment of Human Infections with Avian Influenza A (H7N9)
- More information for health professionals regarding specimen collection, submission, and treatment for influenza.
Seasonal Flu Information for Health Professionals | Information For Health Professionals on Influenza A Variant Viruses H3N2v and H1N2v
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Voluntary quality assurance program for community vaccinators.
Order Influenza Immunization Materials
Health care worker flu vaccination program.
Attention: Non-MDH link
If you have questions or comments about this page, use our IDEPC Comment Form or call 651-201-5414 (TTY: 651-201-5797) for the MDH Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division.
