Press Release

CHP notified by Guangdong HFPC of human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Shenzhen

19 December 2013

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) was notified by the Health and Family Planning Commission (HFPC) of Guangdong Province today (December 19) of a human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) affecting a man aged 38 in Shenzhen.

The patient developed fever and cough on December 9 and sought medical attention from local clinic and hospital. His specimen tested positive for the avian influenza A(H7N9) virus upon testing by the Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on December 17 and was confirmed by the Guangdong CDC on December 18. He is currently admitted to a local hospital for treatment in critical condition.

To date, a total of 144 human cases of avian influenza A(H7N9) have been confirmed in the Mainland, including Zhejiang (51 cases), Shanghai (33 cases), Jiangsu (28 cases), Guangdong (six cases), Jiangxi (six cases), Fujian (five cases), Anhui (four cases), Henan (four cases), Beijing (two cases), Hunan (two cases), Shandong (two cases) and Hebei (one case).

The CHP will follow-up with the Mainland health authorities for more case details.

"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 remarked.

All border control points (BCPs) have implemented disease prevention and control measures. Thermal imaging systems are in place for body temperature checks of inbound travellers. Suspected cases will be immediately referred to public hospitals for follow-up investigation.

Regarding health education for travellers at BCPs, 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.

"Travellers, especially those returning from avian influenza A(H7N9)-affected areas and provinces 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 contact with poultry, birds or their droppings in affected areas and provinces," the spokesman advised.

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

• 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 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 ( www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/24244.html ) and its website ( www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/global_statistics_avian_influenza_e.pdf ) for more information on avian influenza-affected areas.