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Update on number of suspected human cases of avian influenza A(H7) notified
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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (April 18) provided an update on the latest number of suspected human cases of avian influenza A(H7) notified to the CHP, including suspected human cases of avian influenza A(H7) fulfilling reporting criteria, and remaining ones not fulfilling reporting criteria.

     From noon yesterday (April 17) to noon today, the CHP received notification of one case which fulfilled reporting criteria, and two cases which did not fulfil reporting criteria. Cases are detailed in the Attachment.

     This brings the total number of notifications received by the CHP since March 31 of cases fulfilling reporting criteria of suspected human cases of avian influenza A(H7) to 12, and the total number of notifications not fulfilling reporting criteria to 35.

     "According to the latest risk assessment by the National Health and Family Planning Commission, the human infection of the avian influenza A(H7N9) virus is of avian origin and people are mainly infected through exposure to infected poultry or its contaminated environment. Contact with infected poultry or visiting wet markets with live poultry are hence important risk factors of human infection of the avian influenza A(H7N9) virus," a spokesman for the DH said.

     He urged travellers not to visit wet markets with live poultry in the affected areas, and to avoid direct contact with poultry, birds or their droppings. If contact has been made, they should thoroughly wash hands with soap and water.

     "Influenza A(H7) is a statutorily notifiable infectious disease in Hong Kong. Locally, no confirmed human cases of avian influenza A(H7N9) have been recorded so far," the spokesman stressed.

     He reminded doctors to report to the CHP any suspected case of influenza A(H7). The Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the CHP is ready to receive and test specimens whenever necessary.

     The public may visit the avian influenza page of the CHP (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/24244.html) for further information.

Ends/Thursday, April 18, 2013
Issued at HKT 17:45

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