Monday, March 23, 2015

HK Notified Of Human H5N1 Case In Yunnan

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Credit Wikipedia

 

# 9853

 

 

Although China has been strangely silent on H7N9 cases for the past two weeks (see H7N9: No News Is . . . . Curious, Hong Kong has been notified this morning of their third H5N1 case for 2015. 

 

 

CHP notified by NHFPC of one human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) in Yunnan


The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (March 23) received notification from the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) of a human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) affecting a man aged 34 in Yunnan.


According to the information provided by NHFPC, the patient lives in Kunming and had been exposed to poultry. He developed a fever on March 13 and attended a local hospital on March 15. He is currently hospitalised for treatment and is in a serious condition. His specimen, which was tested by the relevant authority, was positive for avian influenza A(H5N1).


"Locally, we will remain vigilant and work closely with the World Health Organization and relevant health authorities to monitor the latest developments," a spokesman for the DH said.


Health surveillance measures have been implemented at all boundary control points. Thermal imaging systems are in place for body temperature checks on inbound travellers and the DH also conducts temperature checks by handheld devices. Suspected cases will be immediately referred to public hospitals for follow-up.


Regarding health education for travellers, the display of posters and broadcasting of health messages in departure and arrival halls, environmental health inspection and provision of regular updates to the travel industry and other stakeholders are ongoing.

Travellers, especially those returning from avian influenza-affected areas with fever or respiratory symptoms, should immediately wear masks, seek medical attention and reveal their travel history to doctors. Health-care professionals should pay special attention to patients who might have had contact with poultry, birds or their droppings in affected areas.

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