Incidence of Skin Rash in the New H7N9 Influenza.

Sir,

The newest emerging zoonosis is the novel H7N9 influenza from several provinces of China.[1] This infection is a cross-species infection, from avian to human.[23] The novel H7N9 influenza is classified as atypical bird flu. The clinical features of novel H7N9 influenza include acute respiratory illness with additional non-respiratory manifestations. Focusing on the dermatological manifestation, it is mentioned as an important clinical presentation in influenza.[456] According to a report by Hope-Simpson et al., about 8% of influenza A virus infections had associations with rash.[5] Major dermatological manifestations of influenza include macular, maculopapular, and petechial rashes.[46] Based on data on the previous atypical bird flu, H5N1 bird flu, the dermatological presentation is absent.[6] The present concern is on the novel H7N9 influenza. Based on available data, the dermatological manifestation is not common. From all 130 documented cases (30 May 2013), there are only two cases with dermatological rashes.[7] The derived incidence is equal to 1.54%.[8]