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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health received notification from Ministry of Health (MoH) today (January 19) concerning a confirmed human case of avian influenza H5N1 in Hunan.
A CHP spokesman said the patient was a 16-year-old boy living in Guizhou Province. He developed symptoms of avian influenza on January 8. He is now admitted to a Hunan hospital for treatment. He is in critical condition. The boy had contact with dead poultry before onset of symptoms.
Laboratory tests on the patient's specimen by Chinese Centre for Diseases Control and Prevention yielded positive for H5N1.
The CHP is maintaining close liaison with the MoH to obtain more information on the case.
The spokesman reminded members of the public to remain vigilant against avian influenza infection and to observe the following measures:
* Avoid direct contact with poultry and birds or their droppings; if contacts have been made, they should wash hands thoroughly with soap and water;
* Poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before eating;
* Wash hands frequently;
* Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, hold the spit with tissue and put it into covered dustbins;
* Avoid crowded places and contact with sick people with fever;
* Wear a mask when you have respiratory symptoms or need to take care of patients with fever;
* When you have fever and influenza-like illnesses during a trip or when coming back to Hong Kong, you should consult doctors promptly and reveal your travel history.
For further information on avian influenza, please visit the CHP website: http://www.chp.gov.hk.
Ends/Monday, January 19, 2009
Issued at HKT 22:20
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