Confirmation of a human avian flu case in Xinjiang
**************************************************

    The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) received confirmation today (August 14) from the Ministry of Health of a human case of avian influenza H5N1 involving a 62-year-old man in Xinjiang. The patient died.

     The spokesman said the CHP would maintain close liaison with the Mainland health authority to obtain the latest information on the case. He reminded members of the public to remain vigilant against avian influenza infection and to strictly observe personal and environmental hygiene.

Ends/Monday, August 14, 2006
Issued at HKT 21:19

NNNN

---