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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health received notification from the Ministry of Health (MoH) concerning a confirmed human case of European avian-like H1N1 swine influenza A in Jiangsu Province.
A CHP spokesman said the patient was a three-year-old boy living in Jiangsu, who had chronic renal disease and on long term steroid treatment. He developed symptoms on December 31 last year.
Laboratory tests on the patient's specimen by the Chinese Centre for Diseases Control and Prevention yielded positive result for European avian-like H1N1 swine influenza A.
His close contacts were asymptomatic.
The CHP is maintaining close liaison with the MoH.
The spokesman reminded members of the public to strictly observe the following measures to prevent influenza infection.
* Keep hands clean and wash hands properly. Alcohol-based hand rub is also effective when hands are not visibly soiled;
* Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth;
* Wash hands with liquid soap promptly if they are contaminated by respiratory tract secretions, e.g. after sneezing or coughing;
* Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and mouth discharge properly;
* Always wrap nasal and mouth discharges with tissue paper, and dispose of the tissue paper properly in a lidded rubbish bin;
* Wear surgical mask when symptoms of respiratory tract infection or fever develop. Seek medical advice promptly;
* Refrain from work or school if you develop symptoms of influenza.
For further information on influenza, please visit the CHP website: www.chp.gov.hk .
Ends/Saturday, January 15, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:40
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