Press Release

Four more human cases of avian influenza A (H7N9) verified by NHFPC

23 April 2013

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) verified with the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) today (April 23) one human case of avian influenza A (H7N9) in Shandong, two in Zhejiang and one in Anhui.

The case in Shandong involves a 36-year-old man who is receiving treatment in hospital. His condition is critical. The nine close contacts of him are asymptomatic so far.

The two cases in Zhejiang involve two men aged 62 and 84 who are receiving treatment in hospital. Their condition is critical.

The case in Anhui involves a 91-year-old man who is receiving treatment in hospital. His condition is serious. The 35 close contacts of him are asymptomatic so far.

As of 9pm today, a total of 108 cases have been laboratory confirmed with avian influenza A (H7N9) in Zhejiang (42 cases), Shanghai (33 cases), Jiangsu (24 cases), Anhui (four cases), Henan (three cases), Beijing (one case) and Shandong (one case).

A spokesman for the DH stressed that the CHP is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to maintain close liaison with the Mainland health authorities for more case information as well as to keep a close eye on the latest advice from the World Health Organization.

The spokesman also reminded travellers, especially those returning from Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, Henan, Beijing and Shandong, with fever or respiratory symptoms to wear facial masks immediately, seek medical attention, and reveal their travel history to doctors. Healthcare professionals should also pay special attention to those who might have had contact with birds, poultry or their droppings in the affected areas.

"No human case of avian influenza A (H7N9) has been identified so far in Hong Kong," the spokesman reiterated.

"We would like to reassure the public that the Government will be as transparent as possible in the dissemination of information on human cases of avian influenza A (H7N9). Whenever there is a suspected case, the CHP will release information to the public as soon as possible," the spokesman added.

The spokesman urged travellers not to visit wet markets with live poultry in the affected areas and avoid direct contact with poultry, birds or their droppings. If contacts have been made, they should thoroughly wash hands with soap and water.

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 toilet, 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, hold the spit with tissue and put it into covered dustbins;
• Avoid crowded places and contact with fever patients; and
• Wear a mask when respiratory symptoms develop or you need to take care of fever patients.

The public may visit the Avian Influenza page of the CHP (This link will open in a new windowwww.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/24244.html) for further information.