Press Release

CHP notified by NHFPC of fatal human case of avian influenza A(H10N8) in Jiangxi

14 February 2014

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) yesterday (February 13) received notification from the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) of a fatal human case of avian influenza A(H10N8) affecting a man aged 75 in Jiangxi.

The patient, with poultry exposure, was admitted to a local hospital for fever and weakness on February 4 and he passed away on February 8. His specimen, which was tested by the relevant authority yesterday, was positive to avian influenza A(H10N8).

"The Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the CHP is capable of detecting this virus by culture or genetic testing. No confirmed human cases have been recorded so far in Hong Kong," a spokesman for the CHP said.

The CHP will follow-up with the Mainland health authorities to obtain more information on the case.

"Locally, enhanced disease surveillance, port health measures and health education against avian influenza have been proceeding. 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," the spokesman said.

"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 will also be arranged. Suspected cases will be immediately referred to public hospitals for follow-up investigation."

The spokesman urged travellers not to visit live poultry markets and avoid direct contact with poultry, birds and their droppings during travel. If contact has been made, they should thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water. If fever or respiratory symptoms develop, they should immediately wear facial masks, seek medical attention and reveal their travel history to doctors.

Members of the public should remain vigilant and are reminded to take heed of the following preventive advice against avian influenza:

• 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 such as escalator handrails, elevator control panels or door knobs; or when hands are dirtied by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing;
• Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, and hold the spit with a tissue and put it into a covered dustbin;
• Avoid crowded places and contact with fever patients; and
• Wear a mask 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 its 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.