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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (June 13) received notification from the Health Department of Guangdong Province and Ministry of Health concerning a suspected human case of avian influenza H5N1 in Shenzhen.
A CHP spokesman said the patient was a 31-year-old man who lived in Shenzhen. He developed fever and pneumonia on June 3. He is now under treatment in a local hospital. His condition is critical.
It was reported that the patient had visited a local wet market where live chickens were on sale.
The CHP is maintaining close liaison with the Ministry of Health and the Health Department of Guangdong Province to obtain more information on the case.
Even though Hong Kong has been free from human avian influenza case since early 2003, members of the public should be vigilant given the large volume of population flow between Guangdong and Hong Kong.
The spokesman said the departmentˇ¦s Port Health Office has remained vigilant and maintained temperature screening for inbound travellers at all immigration control points. Health education for travellers will be enhanced at all immigration control points through distribution of leaflets and displaying of health messages.
The Centre for Food Safety of Food and Environmental Hygiene Department will also step up inspection on the health and hygiene conditions of the chickens imported from the Mainland.
The spokesman reminded members of the public to remain vigilant against avian influenza infection and 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;
* Wear a mask when you have respiratory symptoms or need to take care of patients with fever;
* When you have fever and influenza-like illnesses during a trip or when coming back to Hong Kong, you should consult doctors promptly and reveal your travel history.
For further information on avian influenza, please visit the CHP website: http://www.chp.gov.hk.
Ends/Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Issued at HKT 19:30
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