Is human-to-human H7N9 transmission a real threat in Malaysia?

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Human-to-Human Transmission of H7N9 Poses a Very Remote Threat in Malaysia

The possibility of human-to-human transmission of Avian Influenza A(H7N9) in Malaysia is considered very remote, as the virus primarily spreads from infected poultry to humans. This assessment comes in light of the first reported case of A(H7N9) in the country, involving a 67-year-old Chinese woman from Guangdong province who is currently in stable condition in a Kota Kinabalu hospital.
First Case of H7N9 Confirmed in Malaysia

A 67-year-old female tourist from Guangdong province, China, has been diagnosed with Avian Influenza A(H7N9) in Sabah. This marks the first instance of this particular strain of bird flu being reported within Malaysia. The patient is receiving treatment in the intensive care unit of a private hospital in Kota Kinabalu, with her condition currently described as stable.
Primary Transmission Route Identified

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam has clarified that the H7N9 virus predominantly infects poultry and is transmitted to humans through contact with these infected birds. This understanding of the virus's natural reservoir and transmission pathway underpins the current assessment of risk to the Malaysian population.
Low Risk of Human-to-Human Spread

Based on current knowledge of the virus, the probability of human-to-human infection with H7N9 is deemed to be very low. While the Health Ministry will implement necessary measures to minimise contact with the confirmed patient, the public has been advised against panic. The focus remains on the primary source of transmission, which is infected poultry.

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Is human-to-human H7N9 transmission a real threat in Malaysia?

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