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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (May 6) provided an update on the latest number of suspected human cases of avian influenza A(H7) notified to the CHP, including cases fulfilling reporting criteria and remaining ones not fulfilling reporting criteria.
From noon yesterday (May 5) to noon today, the CHP received no notification of cases which fulfilled reporting criteria, but five cases which did not fulfil reporting criteria. Cases are detailed in the Attachment.
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) hence remains at 19, while the total number of notifications not fulfilling reporting criteria is now 64.
"Following a report by the Ministry of Agriculture that a specimen from a chicken in the live poultry market in Dongguan, Guangdong had tested positive for avian influenza A(H7N9), Guangdong is now included in the list of affected areas," a DH spokesman remarked.
The spokesman 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 contacts have 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.
The spokesman reminded doctors to report to CHP any suspected case of influenza A(H7). The Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of 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/Monday, May 6, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:08
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