Under the International Health Regulations (2005),1 the Chinese Government reported three human cases of avian influenza A(H7N9) virus on 31 March 2013 to the World Health Organization (WHO). Previous public health events have shown that early detection, rapid response and sharing of information can reduce the impact of emerging and re-emerging diseases.2 Risk communication is critical in providing accurate, direct and relevant information as the event unfolds, especially when the disease is of public health importance and/or there is high public anxiety.3,4 Communication between government authorities and the public is especially important during these health events, particularly during outbreaks.5 The Internet is one important tool used to present information to the public; globally, one in three people have access to the Internet6 and Internet search engines, such as Google and Yahoo, have become a frequently used means to obtain information.