Unproven H7N9 spread by human

A recent study to be the first to make sure that the scarce H7N9 bird flu virus transmitted from birds to humans. However, this study found no evidence of transmission from human to human.

In this study, researchers tested samples from 20 chickens, five doves, and 57 ducks at six farms in China, where the patient contracted the bird flu. Two of the five pigeons and chickens known to four of the 20 tested positive for H7N9. Researchers then looked at viruses in humans and find similarities. This proves that birds can indeed transmit H7N9 to humans.

Researchers also traced the 385 family members, friends, and staff kesehatan.Tak none of them showed any signs of H7N9 infection after undergoing testing for 14 days. Researchers found evidence that H7N9 could evolve to adapt to the mammalian body. Yet until now there has been no evidence that this virus can spread from human to human.

"In general, the evidence suggests pure transmission between poultry to humans. There is no evidence the virus is transmitted from humans," said Kwok-Yung Yuen, from the University of Hong Kong, as reported by U.S. News.

The current H7N9 virus has killed up to 22 people and infected more than 100 people. Not only that, the first victim outside China, namely Taiwan also have tested positive for H7N9 bird flu virus.