Via CIDRAP: FLU NEWS SCAN: CDC scales down H7N9 response, H5N1 alert phase. Excerpt:
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Jun 14 deactivated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) response to the novel H7N9 flu outbreak in China, the agency said today in a Twitter post.
However, the CDC said it would continue to watch the H7N9 virus closely, given that flu is known for its constant changes and evolution.
The number of new H7N9 cases in China has tailed off since early May, and flu experts suspect that the warmer weather and poultry market closures may have played a role. Chinese cities have stepped down their response activities. No new H7N9 cases have been reported from China since May 29, the CDC said. So far the outbreak total stands at 132 cases, with 39 deaths.
The CDC had activated its EOC for the H7N9 outbreak on Apr 8, about a week after China reported its first cases. The action was designed to provide resources, logistical support, and quick communication with international partners.
