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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health received notification from the Ministry of Health today (February 18) concerning a confirmed human case of avian influenza H5N1 in Hunan Province.
A CHP spokesman said the patient was a 22-year-old man who developed headache and fever on January 16 and was subsequently admitted to a hospital for treatment. He died on January 24.
Retrospective laboratory tests on the patient's specimen by Chinese Centre for Diseases Control and Prevention yesterday yielded positive to H5N1.
The CHP is maintaining close liaison with the Ministry of Health to obtain more information on the case.
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/Monday, February 18, 2008
Issued at HKT 20:41
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