Press Release
Boy recovered from influenza A virus (H9N2)
December 9, 2003
The Department of Health (DH) is investigating a case of influenza A virus (H9N2) involving a five–year-old boy who has just recovered after treatment in hospital.
"This is the second time H9N2 viruses, an avian influenza virus, are isolated from humans in Hong Kong. The last case was detected in 1999 involving two girls who also made full recovery after having flu like symptoms," Dr Thomas Tsang, Consultant (Community Medicine) of DH said today (December 9).
The boy developed symptoms of fever, cough and runny nose on November 25. He was admitted to United Christian Hospital on November 27 and was subsequently discharged two days later.
Dr Tsang said that influenza A (H9N2) viruses were detected from the boy's nasopharyngeal aspirate specimen by the DH Public Health Laboratory Centre today. Further tests are being conducted to sequence the virus to confirm its identity.
The department has informed the World Health Organisation (WHO), Macau and Guangdong about the findings.
DH investigations so far revealed that the boy did not travel outside Hong Kong recently. Some family members have recent mild cough.
"This is an isolated case and the source of infection is being investigated. Based on previous experience, however, we will look especially into bird-to-human transmission.
"We will look into histories of bird and poultry exposure, visits to places with birds and animals, contact with diseased people or animals," Dr Tsang said.
The department will issue letters to doctors to alert the medical community, and liaise with the Education and Manpower Bureau to reinforce messages to kindergartens and schools on the importance of hygiene matters to prevent avian flu and other infectious diseases.
Influenza A (H9N2) is an avian influenza virus which has been isolated from duck and chicken for many years. Infection in humans is rare, and appears to present as a mild form of disease.
Dr Tsang said that Hong Kong has a very comprehensive avian influenza surveillance programme to detect the presence of any avian influenza in our environment and the possible reassortment of the viruses so that prompt responsive measures can be taken.
As a precautionary measure, members of the public are reminded to avoid contacts with live poultry to minimize the chance of being infected with avian influenza.
"Hands should be washed thoroughly with soap and water after handling live poultry.
"To build up good body resistance against influenza, the public are encouraged to maintain a balanced diet, do regular exercise, and have adequate rest. They should not smoke," Dr Tsang noted.
The public can obtain updated information on influenza from the Department of Health's Hompage (https://www.dh.gov.hk). They can also get information on the prevention of influenza from the Department's Central Health Education Hotline on 2833 0111.