Potential Geographic Distribution of the Novel Avian-Origin Influenza A (H7N9) Virus

摘要

BackgroundIn late March 2013, a new avian-origin influenza virus emerged in eastern China. This H7N9 subtype virus has since infected 240 people and killed 60, and has awakened global concern as a potential pandemic threat. Ecological niche modeling has seen increasing applications as a useful tool in mapping geographic potential and risk of disease transmission.