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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (April 24) 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 those not fulfilling reporting criteria.
From noon yesterday (April 23) to noon today, the CHP received no notifications of cases which fulfilled reporting criteria and no cases which did not fulfil reporting criteria.
The total number of notifications received by the CHP since March 31 of cases fulfilling reporting criteria for suspected human cases of avian influenza A(H7) remains at 14, while the total number of notifications not fulfilling reporting criteria remains at 38.
A spokesman for the DH 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, people should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water.
"Influenza A(H7) is a statutorily notifiable infectious disease in Hong Kong. Locally, no confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) has been recorded so far," the spokesman said.
The spokesman 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 CHP's avian influenza page (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/24244.html) for further information.
Ends/Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Issued at HKT 16:30
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