Press Release
Update of imported human case of avian influenza A(H7N9)
24 January 2015
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (January 24) reported the latest updates of the second imported human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Hong Kong this winter, and again urged the public to maintain strict personal, food and environmental hygiene both locally and during travel.
So far, seven close contacts and 62 other contacts have been identified.
(A) Close contacts
The close contacts have been put under quarantine and prescribed with antiviral presumptive treatment until the completion of the five-day treatment or 10 days after last exposure to the patient, whichever is earlier. They include:
- Two family members who remained asymptomatic;
- An in-patient admitted to the same cubicle as the patient in the Accident and Emergency Department of Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital (AHNH), who was symptomatic and tested positive for Influenza A (H3) virus; and
- Four asymptomatic patients who had attended the private clinic in Tai Po with the patient.
(B) Other contacts
The other contacts have been put under medical surveillance and they include:
- 34 asymptomatic healthcare workers who took care of the patient in AHNH;
- 24 clinic contacts (including patients and staff of the clinic in Tai Po) in which one was symptomatic and tested positive for Influenza A (H3) virus while the rest being asymptomatic;
- An immigration officer involved upon patient's arrival in Hong Kong, who was symptomatic and tested negative for Influenza A; and
- Three asymptomatic ambulance officers involved in patient transfer.
The Lady MacLehose Holiday Village in Sai Kung under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department is being converted as a quarantine centre. Asymptomatic close contacts will be quarantined there.
Investigations are ongoing.
The CHP's hotline (2125 1111) for public enquiries will operate from 9am to 6pm today and tomorrow (January 25).