Scholars in Hong Kong and Mainland China Jointly Present Map to Infer Potential Risks of H7N9 Infection

A research team comprising scholars from Hong Kong and the Mainland developed a model to assess the risks of H7N9 infection in Mainland China. Led by Professor Liu Jiming, Chair Professor of Computer Science of HKBU, the team, the team also includes Dr. Shi Benyun, Research Assistant Professor, Mr. Xia Shang, PhD student of Computer Science of HKBU, Dr. Yang Guojing, Assistant Professor of the Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care of The Chinese University of Hong Kong and Professor Zhou Xiaonong of the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

By developing a map based on the northwards migratory patterns of birds using environmental and meteorological data, the research team estimated the geographic spread of H7N9 infection. The findings provide insights in assessing the risks of H7N9 infection in eastern as well as other parts of Mainland China. This, in turn, provides an effective tool for public health policy makers to perform active surveillance and moderate H7N9 outbreak in the region.