Press Release

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

14 April 2014

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (April 14) provided an update on the 10th confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) affecting a woman aged 85.

"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, eight close contacts and 52 other contacts had been identified.

Close contacts are the patient's family members. One of them was symptomatic and the others have remained asymptomatic so far. Preliminary laboratory testing of all of their respiratory specimens was negative for the influenza A virus. They remain hospitalised under observation.

Other contacts include the patient's brother who travelled to Dongguan with her, relevant health-care workers (HCWs), ambulance crew members and in-patients who stayed in the same cubicle with the patient's husband in Haven of Hope Hospital, as well as staff and patients in a private clinic in Po Lam, Tseung Kwan O, which she attended. Among them, an HCW reported influenza-like symptoms and preliminary testing of her specimen was negative for the influenza A virus. The others have remained asymptomatic. All of them remain under medical surveillance.

"In view of human cases of avian influenza A(H7N9) confirmed locally and in the Mainland, further cases are expected in affected and possibly neighbouring areas. Those planning to travel outside Hong Kong 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, 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 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.

As of 4pm, the CHP's hotline (2125 1111) for public enquiries had received 217 calls since the first confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Hong Kong.

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 and 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 (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.