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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has received notification from the Ministry of Health concerning a suspected human case of avian influenza H5N1 in Shanghai.
A CHP spokesman today (March 24) said the patient was a 29-year-old woman who developed fever and pneumonia on March 15. She died on March 21.
CHP is maintaining close liaison with the Ministry of Health to obtain more information on the case.
"Even though Hong Kong has been free from human avian influenza cases since early 2003, people are reminded to remain vigilant and observe good personal hygiene," the spokesman said.
The spokesman reminded people to observe the following measures:
* Avoid direct contact with poultry and birds or their droppings; if contacts have been made, they should wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
* Poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before eating.
* Wash hands frequently.
* Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, hold the spit with tissue and put it into covered dustbins.
* Avoid crowded places and contact with sick people with fever.
* Use a mask when one has respiratory symptoms or needs to take care of patients with fever.
* When one develops fever and influenza-like illnesses during a trip or when coming back to Hong Kong, one should consult doctors promptly and tell his travel history.
For further information on avian influenza, please visit the CHP website: http://www.chp.gov.hk.
Ends/Friday, March 24, 2006
Issued at HKT 11:54
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