(VOVworld)- The H7N9 Avian Influenza is breaking out in a number of countries. This is the fifth H7N9 epidemic since 2013 and í seeing the highest number of cases.

An Egyptian man in Fayom has died of H7N9 avian influenza, the first case in Egypt this year. The 48-year old man tested positive after being hospitalized due to symptoms of fever and cold. Blood samples were collected from the victim’s relatives and those who have had contact with him.

According to a recent report from the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), in the first two months of this year, 24 European countries reported the outbreaks of H5N8 bird flu. Official reports show that infected wild birds are the transmission agent of this dangerous virus. Spanish officials said they will cull more than 17,000 ducks after the H5N8 virus was detected at a duck farm in Catalonia. Dozens of other farms in this area have been put under special surveillance.

According to the World Health Organization, from late October to February, more than 400 H7N9 cases were reported and the number is increasing, especially in China. Chinese officials said that a 60-year old man has died due from the H7N9 virus in the Zhuang Autonomous region in Guangxi province. This was the third H7N9 case in Guangxi this year. Other cases were reported in Guizhou province in southwestern China. China has banned any live bird trade in a number of localities around the country. India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Cambodia, and Pakistan have been taking measures to stop the spread of the bird flu virus.

The World Health Organization has urged strong measures to prevent an epidemic, warning that new viruses are threatening human health and posing the risk of a global pandemic.