Press Release

CHP notified of two additional human cases of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Guangdong

1 February 2014

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) received notification today (February 1) of two additional human cases of avian influenza A(H7N9) respectively in Shenzhen and Zhaoqing from the Health and Family Planning Commission of Guangdong Province.

The first case involves a 6-year-old boy of Hong Kong who lives in Shenzhen. Preliminary information revealed that the patient had onset of symptoms on January 27. He took self-medication. On January 28, he travelled to Hong Kong with his mother and relatives for a day trip.

On returning to Shenzhen in the evening of January 28, he was found to have fever. Specimen taken from him tested positive for avian influenza A(H7N9) virus by the relevant Guangdong health authorities today.

Upon receipt of the notification, the CHP commenced investigation immediately. Preliminary enquiries indicated that the patient and his travel collaterals mainly went shopping and did not meet other friends or relatives during their brief stay in Hong Kong.

So far, no close contact of the patient has been identified in Hong Kong whereas an officer at Lo Wu Boundary Control Point will be put under medical surveillance.

The patient has mild symptoms. His current condition is stable.

Another case involves a 5-year-old boy in the Mainland who lives in Zhaoqing. His specimen tested positive for avian influenza A(H7N9) virus by the relevant Guangdong health authorities today. He is currently under medical treatment in a local hospital and in stable condition.

To date, 43 human cases of avian influenza A(H7N9) have been confirmed in Guangdong.

"Locally, enhanced disease surveillance, port health measures and health education against avian influenza are ongoing. We will remain vigilant and maintain liaison with the World Health Organization (WHO) and relevant health authorities. Local surveillance activities will be modified upon the WHO's recommendations," a spokesman for the DH said.

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

"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.

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

• Do not visit live poultry markets. Avoid contact with poultry, birds and their droppings. If contact has been made, thoroughly wash hands with soap;
• 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 (This link will open in a new windowwww.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/24244.html) and website (This link will open in a new windowwww.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/global_statistics_avian_influenza_e.pdf) for more information on avian influenza-affected areas and provinces.