China reports 5 more H7N9 cases; researchers cite mutation

Continuing the slow trickle of new H7N9 cases, China reported five cases over the past 3 days, as well as another death, and Hong Kong researchers today reported genetic findings from the city’s first H7N9 patient, which included a mutation that might enhance disease severity.

All of the new cases were reported from Guangdong province, according to provincial health department reports translated and posted by the FluTrackers infectious disease news message board. Guangdong province was responsible for many of the cases that marked the second wave rise and is now one of the few areas still steadily reporting new infections.