Australian GPs told to be alert for bird flu

Australian GPs told to be alert for bird flu cases after deaths in China
A Federal Health Department advisory warns GPs of the possibility of people infected with the H7N9 strain of avian influenza arriving from China, given a "steady increase'' in confirmed cases this year.

(Snip)

``Chinese New Year is celebrated in January and February each year. During the latter part of January and the month of February the number of incoming passengers to Australia from China rises substantially,'' a Health Department statement says.

``With the anticipated increase in incoming passengers during this period and the steady increase of confirmed H7N9 cases ... there is a possibility of cases of H7N9 presenting in Australia.''

Continued: http://www.couriermail.com.au/...