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How Worried Should We Be About New Bird Flu Strain?

Taiwan confirmed an H7N9 bird flu infection in a traveler returning to the island from China, the first incidence of the killer virus spreading outside the mainland.

A 53-year-old Taiwanese man tested positive for the latest strain of avian flu after a business trip to the eastern city of Suzhou and returning to Taiwan via Shanghai, Minister of Health Chiu Wen-ta said at a briefing in Taipei yesterday. The patient, who is in critical condition in an isolation room, didnt come into contact with birds and poultry, Chiu said.

The first discovery of the virus outside China, 10 years after an outbreak of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS, may lead to increased scrutiny of travelers into and out of the country. Taiwans largest trade partner is battling to control its spread, which so far has killed 22, according to data compiled by Bloomberg from reports released by the government and the World Health Organization.

With any new influenza virus that emerges, the concern is that it could genetically mutate to become easily transmissible between human beings, Raina MacIntyre, a professor of infectious diseases at the University of New South Wales, said in an interview before the announcement of Taiwans confirmed case. With all past pandemics and even with SARS, they were spread around the world by travel.

Suzhou is located in Chinas Jiangsu province, where more than 20 cases of the new bird flu strain have been reported. The country has tallied 109 infections since the virus was discovered in March.

Taiwans Centers for Disease Control said in a statement that the infected male had not been exposed to birds and poultry during his stay in Suzhou and had not consumed undercooked poultry or eggs. He developed his illness three days after returning to Taiwan and came in contact with at least 139 people including 110 hospital workers, according to the CDC.

Authorities are monitoring three medical staff who have exhibited symptoms of upper respiratory infection after coming in contact with the patient wearing protective gear, it said. Three others came in contact without wearing protective gear, have shown no symptoms, and are also being monitored.

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Taiwan Finds First Bird Flu Infection Outside China in Traveler