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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health received notification from the Ministry of Health (MoH) today (January 6) concerning a confirmed human case of avian influenza H5N1 in Beijing.
A CHP spokesman said the patient was a 19-year-old woman living in a suburb of Beijing. She developed symptoms on December 24 and passed away on January 5.
Laboratory tests on the patient's specimen by the Chinese Centre for Diseases Control and Prevention yielded positive for H5N1.
Investigations revealed that she had contact with poultry before the onset of symptoms.
The CHP is maintaining close liaison with the MoH 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 contact has been made, 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 upon return to Hong Kong, you should consult a doctor promptly and describe your travel history.
For further information on avian influenza, please visit the CHP website: www.chp.gov.hk.
Ends/Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Issued at HKT 17:04
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