Press Release

CHP notified by NHFPC of one human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) in Yunnan

25 March 2015

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (March 25) received notification from the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) of a human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) affecting a man aged 17 in Yunnan.

According to the information provided by NHFPC, the patient lives in Kunming and has presented with fever and headache on March 13. He attended a local hospital on March 20. The patient is currently hospitalised for treatment in critical condition. His specimen, which was tested by the relevant authority, was positive for avian influenza A(H5N1).

"Locally, we will remain vigilant and work closely with the World Health Organization and relevant health authorities to monitor the latest developments," a spokesman for the DH said.

Health surveillance measures have been implemented at all boundary control points. Thermal imaging systems are in place for body temperature checks on inbound travellers and the DH also conducts temperature checks by handheld devices. Suspected cases will be immediately referred to public hospitals for follow-up.

Regarding health education for travellers, the display of posters and broadcasting of health messages in departure and arrival halls, environmental health inspection and provision of regular updates to the travel industry and other stakeholders are ongoing.

Travellers, especially those returning from avian influenza-affected areas with fever or respiratory symptoms, should 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.

The public should remain vigilant and take heed of the 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); and 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 pages below for more information:

• The avian influenza page (This link will open in a new windowwww.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/24244.html);
• The weekly Avian Influenza Report (This link will open in a new windowwww.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/3879.html);
• Global statistics and affected areas of avian influenza (This link will open in a new windowwww.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/global_statistics_avian_influenza_e.pdf);
• The Facebook Page (This link will open in a new windowwww.fb.com/CentreforHealthProtection); and
• The YouTube Channel (This link will open in a new windowwww.youtube.com/c/ChpGovHkChannel).