Live poultry markets should close if H7N9 detected

Live poultry are transferred as the market is closed and disinfected in Nantong township of Minhou county, southeast China's Fujian province, Jan 21, 2014. [Photo/Xinhua]

Live poultry markets should close if a case of H7N9 avian flu is detected, the National Health and Family Planning Commission said on Wednesday.

In its third edition of a plan on prevention and control of H7N9 avian flu, the commission also suggested that markets be thoroughly disinfected where H7N9 cases are reported.

The plan urged local health departments to examine the epidemic situation and take measures.

In places where no H7N9 cases are reported, the commission suggested that live poultry markets be cleaned everyday and disinfected once a week.

The plan urged health institutions to ask patients with influenza, especially those working in the poultry industry, if they have been exposed to live poultry markets.

For those who may have been exposed to H7N9 they should seek medical advice in case of fever and cough, the plan said.

The commission will publish the number of H7N9 cases and fatalities every month. Provincial-level health departments will publish information about H7N9 cases in the regions, the plan said.