The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued an All Facilities Letter to heighten surveillance and infection control in response to the recent activity of novel avian influenza A (H7N9) in China. Healthcare providers should be on alert to identify any patients with influenza-like illness (ILI) symptoms. Suspect cases of avian influenza A (H7N9) include patients with ILI who have recent travel to China or recent contact with a confirmed or probable case of H7N9 infection. Infection control precautions for suspect, probable, or confirmed H7N9 cases include Standard Precautions plus Contact and Airborne Precautions, eye protection, and the expanded use of respirators for all patient-care activities. Clinicians should obtain a nasopharyngeal swab or aspirate for testing and notify their local health department immediately of any suspect novel influenza cases. Treatment with neuraminidase inhibitors is recommended for all confirmed, probable, and cases under investigation, including outpatients with uncomplicated illness.

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