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Press Release

Epidemiological investigation and follow-up actions by CHP on confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9)

13 February 2014

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (February 13) provided an update on the fifth confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) affecting a man aged 65.

"The epidemiological investigations, enhanced disease surveillance, port health measures and health education against avian influenza are all ongoing," a spokesman for the DH said.

As of 4pm today, six close contacts and 82 other contacts have been identified.

The close contacts are the five family members of the index patient in Hong Kong and a patient who had stayed in the same ward with the index patient in Kwong Wah Hospital (KWH).

The five family members have remained asymptomatic while the patient in KWH had onset of symptoms before contact with the index patient. Upon preliminary laboratory testing by Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH), their respiratory specimens were all negative for Influenza A virus. They remain under observation.

Other contacts included the index patient's other family members, staff and patients of the private clinic which the patient attended, healthcare workers of relevant public hospitals and the officers at Lo Wu Boundary Control Point. Among them, two are symptomatic and their specimens were negative for Influenza A virus upon PMH's preliminary testing. They are all under medical surveillance.

"In view of human cases of avian influenza A(H7N9) confirmed in Hong Kong and multiple cases notified by the Mainland, the activity of the virus is expected to be higher in the winter season. Those planning to travel outside Hong Kong should maintain good personal, environmental and food hygiene at all times," the spokesman urged.

As of 4pm today, the CHP's hotline (2125 1111) for public enquiries had received 175 calls since the first confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Hong Kong.

"All boundary control points have implemented disease prevention and control measures. Thermal imaging systems are in place for body temperature checks of inbound travellers. Random temperature checks by handheld devices have also been arranged. Suspected cases will be immediately referred to public hospitals for follow-up investigation," the spokesman added.

Regarding health education for travellers, distribution of pamphlets, display of posters in departure and arrival halls, in-flight public announcements, environmental health inspection and provision of regular updates to the travel industry via meetings and correspondence are all proceeding.

The spokesman advised travellers, especially those returning from avian influenza-affected areas and provinces with fever or respiratory symptoms, to immediately wear masks, seek medical attention and reveal their travel history to doctors. Health-care professionals should pay special attention to patients who might have had contact with poultry, birds or their droppings in affected areas and provinces.

"We have enhanced publicity and health education to reinforce health advice on the prevention of avian influenza," the spokesman said.

Members of the public should remain vigilant and take heed of the preventive advice against avian influenza below:

  • Do not visit live poultry markets and farms. Avoid contact with poultry, birds and their droppings. If contact has been made, thoroughly wash hands with soap;
  • Avoid entering areas where poultry may be slaughtered, or contact with surfaces which might be contaminated by droppings of poultry or other animals;
  • Poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before eating;
  • Wash hands frequently with soap, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes, handling food or eating; after going to the toilet or touching public installations or equipment (including escalator handrails, elevator control panels and door knobs); or when hands are dirtied by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing;
  • Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, hold the spit with a tissue and put it into a covered dustbin;
  • Avoid crowded places and contact with fever patients; and
  • Wear masks when respiratory symptoms develop or when taking care of fever patients.

The public may visit the CHP's avian influenza page ( www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/24244.html ) and website ( www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/global_statistics_avian_influenza_e.pdf ) for more information on avian influenza-affected areas and provinces.

13 Feb 2014