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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (January 28) provided an update on the epidemiological investigation after samples of live chicken imported from the Mainland tested positive for the avian influenza A(H7) virus.
The poultry worker responsible for transporting the consignment of live chickens concerned, being a close contact, has been located. He has remained asymptomatic and was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital this morning for observation. His respiratory specimen tested negative for the H7 virus upon preliminary laboratory testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch (PHLSB).
In collaboration with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, as of 4pm today, a total of 95 other contacts comprising 11 staff members of Man Kam To Animal Inspection Station (MKTAIS), 35 poultry workers at Cheung Sha Wan Temporary Wholesale Poultry Market and 49 workers involved in the culling operation have also been identified. They were put under medical surveillance and health advice was given. The CHP will follow-up on their health condition.
Among them, an officer of MKTAIS developed non-specific symptoms and his respiratory specimen tested negative for H7 upon preliminary testing by the PHLSB.
"We have issued letters to doctors and hospitals to keep them abreast of the latest situation. Doctors should remain vigilant and immediately report to the CHP if there is any suspected case," a spokesman for the CHP said.
Ends/Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Issued at HKT 19:10
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