H7N9 avian flu human infections in China climb to 60, with 13 fatalities
Latest Update [2013-04-14 19:23:48 local time]: “Shanghai reported two more deaths from H7N9 bird flu on Sunday, while three new cases were confirmed, local health authorities said in a statement,” said a report.
- The latest update raises the infection toll to 60, and the fatalities to at least 13.
Earlier on Sunday…
Two new infections of H7N9 avian flu were reported in east China’s Jiangsu Province on Sunday, bringing the total number of such cases in China to 57.
“Eight new cases of human infection were reported nationwide on Sunday, with two in Henan Province in central China, two in Jiangsu Province and four in Zhejiang Province in east China. Of the 57 people infected thus far, 11 have died,” said a report.
All four patients in east China’s Zhejiang Province were in serious condition, according to the provincial health department, said a report.
Avian Influenza A (H7N9) Virus
This is a “novel” (non-human) virus and therefore has the potential to cause a pandemic if it were to change to become easily and sustainably spread from person-to-person. So far, this virus has not been determined to have that capability. However, influenza viruses constantly change and it’s possible that this virus could gain that ability. CDC takes routine preparedness actions whenever a new virus with pandemic potential is identified, including developing a candidate vaccine virus to make a vaccine if it were to be needed. There is no licensed H7 vaccine available at this time. —CDC
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UPDATE: Earthquake that hit “birthplace of Japan” caused by “unknown active fault”
The magnitude 6.0 quake that hit Awajishima Fukin on Apr 13, 2013, at 05:33 local time has reportedly injured two dozen people, 7 of them seriously, and damaged more than 1,900 homes.
- “The government’s earthquake research committee said Sunday an unknown active fault may have caused a magnitude 6.3 [revised down to M6.0 by JMA] earthquake that jolted western Japan early Saturday.” Kyodo reported.
- The fault reportedly extends about 10 km from north to south of the island, according to the committee.
- “There are many as-yet-unrecognized active faults,” warning that M6 quakes could occur anywhere in Japan, the committee chief has said.
Earthquake Details
- Magnitude: 6.0
- Depth: 10 km
- Date and Time: April 13, 2013 at 05:33 JST (local time)
- Epicenter: 34.4ºN, 134.8ºE
- Region: Awajishima Fukin (Source: JMA)
EQ Location Map
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). Map enhanced by FIRE-EARTH.
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U.S. Weather: Major winter storm to impact the north central United States
A major winter storm will impact the north central United States through Monday morning, where total snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches will be common. Some locales in central North Dakota could experience more than 15 inches of new snow. Strong gusty winds will also lead to considerable blowing and drifting snow and near blizzard conditions, creating hazardous travel conditions. —NWS
US Weather Hazards Map. The map shows 10 different Weather Warnings, including Red Flag Warnings across parts of 5 states. Source: NWS
Fire Earth 