Press Release

Update of human case of avian influenza A(H7N9)

29 December 2014

The Department of Health (DH) today (December 29) reported the latest updates on the first confirmed 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.

Further epidemiological investigations by the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the DH have so far located two travel collaterals who travelled with the patient to Shenzhen on December 13. According to them, the trio visited a wet market in Niulanqian, Bao'an, Shenzhen, bought vegetables, and did not purchase or have contact with live chickens sold there. Both travel collaterals have remained asymptomatic for more than 10 days (incubation period) since their last contact with the patient and have been put under medical surveillance.

Investigations also revealed that the patient had consulted two private doctors practising in the same clinic on December 19 and 23 respectively. While the CHP has reached one of the duo thus far, the other private doctor is now out of town and follow-up is under way.

According to the private doctor whom the CHP has reached, the patient did not reveal her travel history to the Mainland during consultation. The clinic staff have remained asymptomatic and have been put under medical surveillance. Tracing of the relevant clients who attended the clinic at the same time with the patient is under way.

In addition, the patient underwent a chest X-ray examination in a medical laboratory centre on December 23, and the CHP's follow-up is under way.

Investigations are ongoing.