************************************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) verified with the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) today (April 13) one human case of Influenza A (H7N9) in Beijing, two in Jiangsu, one in Shanghai and two in Zhejiang.
Among the cases, the one in Beijing involves a seven-year-old girl who is currently receiving treatment in hospital and is in stable condition. The patient's two close contacts are asymptomatic so far.
The two cases in Jiangsu involve a 72-year-old man and a 77-year-old woman. They are receiving treatment in hospital and currently in critical condition. The 16 close contacts of the duo are asymptomatic so far.
The one in Shanghai involves a 56-year-old man whose wife?is an earlier confirmed case.
The two cases in Zhejiang involve two men aged 38 and 65. Both are in critical condition.
Specimens of the six cases tested positive for H7N9 upon laboratory testing by the Mainland health authority.
As of 9pm today, a total of 49 cases have been laboratory confirmed with Influenza A (H7N9) in Shanghai (21 cases), Jiangsu (14 cases), Zhejiang (11 cases), Anhui (two cases) and Beijing (one case).
A spokesman for the DH stressed that the CHP is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to maintain close liaison with the Mainland health authorities for more case information as well as to keep a close eye on the latest advice from the World Health Organization.
The spokesman also reminded travellers, especially those returning from Shanghai, Anhui, Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Beijing, with fever or respiratory symptoms, to wear facial masks immediately, seek medical attention, and reveal their travel history to doctors. Healthcare professionals should also pay special attention to those who might have had contact with birds, poultry or their droppings in the affected areas.
"No human case of Influenza A (H7N9) has been identified so far in Hong Kong," the spokesman reiterated.
"We would like to reassure the public that the Government will be as transparent as possible in the dissemination of information on human cases of Influenza A (H7N9). Whenever there is a suspected case, the CHP will release information to the public as soon as possible," the spokesman added.
Members of the public should remain vigilant and are reminded to take heed of the following preventive advice against avian influenza:
* Avoid direct contact with poultry and birds or their droppings. If contact has been made, they should immediately wash hands thoroughly with soap and water;
* Poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before eating;
* Wash hands frequently with soap, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes, handling food or eating, after going to toilet, touching public installations or equipment such as escalator handrails, elevator control panels or door knobs, or when hands are dirtied by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing;
* Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, hold the spit with tissue and put it into covered dustbins;
* Avoid crowded places and contact with fever patients; and
* Wear a mask when respiratory symptoms develop or you need to take care of fever patients.
The public may visit the Avian Influenza page of the CHP (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/24244.html) for further information.
Ends/Saturday, April 13, 2013
Issued at HKT 21:38
NNNN
