Analyses of the evolutionary history of recently emerged H7N9 influenza virus, published in Nature, indicate that additional H7 viruses potentially pose further threats and suggests long-term influenza surveillance is essential. read more

Plans for ‘gain-of-function’ experiments on the H7N9 bird-flu virus were announced by prominent influenza-virus researchers in both Nature and Science. read more

The first report of probable person to person transmission of the H7N9 avian flu virus in Eastern China was published … read more

As the number of human cases of avian flu continues to rise, China and its surrounding regions remain on high alert, and the rest of the world watches the developing situation with great interest. leading virology and health experts came to the SMC to discuss what we know about this virus, how it compares to previous flu viruses, how scientists monitor emerging outbreaks such as this one, and whether it is ever possible to predict or prepare for what will happen next. read more

Further cases of infection with the H7N9 bird flu virus have been reported. read more

At the time of writing, seven cases of the bird flu virus H7N9 had been reported in China, with three deaths. read more