Third confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Hong Kong under CHP investigation - 65 year old man with travel history to Shenzhen (Guangdong) - January 8, 2014- Died

[tetano]

Doctors have diagnosed Hong Kong's third case of H7N9 bird flu.

A 66-year-old man is being treated in intensive care at Queen Mary Hospital.

It's thought he could have caught the virus in Shenzhen, but the Centre for Health Protection say he hasn't been in contact with poultry recently.

Last month, an 80-year-old Shenzhen resident became the first person infected with the virus to die in Hong Kong.

A domestic helper, who was the territory's first case, is also thought to have caught the virus across the border.

http://rthk.hk/rthk/news/englishnews/20140108/news_20140108_56_976027.htm

[Giuseppe]

Re: China - Media report of Man, 61, hospitalized for H7N9 in Hong Kong after travel to Shenzhen, Guangdong province

[Source: Centre for Health Protection, Hong Kong PRC SAR, full page: (LINK).]


Third confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Hong Kong under CHP investigation


The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (January 8) investigating an additional confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Hong Kong affecting a man aged 65.

The patient, with underlying medical condition, lives in Sham Shui Po. He presented with fever, coughing and shortness of breath since January 3 and attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Mary Hospital (QMH) on January 7. He was admitted for chest infection. As his condition deteriorated, he was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit on the same day.

His nasopharyngeal aspirate tested positive for avian influenza A(H7N9) virus upon laboratory testing by the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the CHP today.

The patient is currently under isolation for further management in QMH in critical condition.

Initial investigation by the CHP revealed that the patient had travelled to Shenzhen with his family member from January 1 to 2. They passed by a wet market in Shenzhen on January 1. In Hong Kong, the patient did not go into wet markets, but he may sometimes walk pass the entrance of Pei Ho Street Market in Sham Shui Po in the morning.

Enquiries also indicated that his close contact has remained asymptomatic so far and will be put under quarantine for 10 days since last contact with the patient. Contact tracing for his other contacts including patients in QMH who stayed in the same cubicle with the confirmed patient as well as healthcare workers in QMH and relevant hospital visitors are underway. They will be put under medical surveillance.

This is the third confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Hong Kong.

"The Serious Response Level under the Government's Preparedness Plan for Influenza Pandemic has been activated while the CHP's epidemiological investigation and follow-up actions are currently in full swing," a CHP spokesman remarked.

The CHP will issue letters to doctors and hospitals to keep them abreast of the latest situation.

"The confirmed case has been notified to the World Health Organization (WHO), the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) as well as health and quarantine authorities of Guangdong and Macau," the spokesman said.

Locally, enhanced surveillance over suspected cases in public and private hospitals is underway. The CHP will continue to maintain liaison with the WHO, the Mainland and overseas health authorities to monitor the latest developments and obtain timely and accurate information. Local surveillance activities will be modified according to the WHO's recommendations.

"All border control points (BCPs) have implemented disease prevention and control measures. Thermal imaging systems are in place at BCPs for body temperature checks of inbound travellers. The DH has liaised with the Auxiliary Medical Service and the Civil Aid Service to deploy additional manpower at BCPs to conduct random temperature checks using handheld devices. Suspected cases will be immediately referred to public hospitals for follow-up investigation," the spokesman said.

Regarding health education for travellers at BCPs, the distribution of health education pamphlets, display of posters on avian influenza A(H7N9) in departure and arrival halls, in-flight public announcements, environmental health inspection and the provision of regular updates to the travel industry via meetings and correspondence have all been escalated. The DH will keep a close eye on the latest developments and adopt corresponding port health measures.

"We have enhanced our publicity and health education on the prevention of avian influenza. The CHP has also sent letters to government departments and related organisations to reinforce our health advice on the prevention of avian influenza," the spokesman added.

Since the first confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Hong Kong on December 3, the CHP hotline (2125 1111) has been set up for public enquiries. As of 4pm today, 116 calls had been received.

"Travellers, especially those returning from avian influenza A(H7N9)-affected areas and provinces with fever or respiratory symptoms, are reminded to immediately wear facial masks, seek medical attention and reveal their travel history to a doctor. Healthcare professionals should also pay special attention to patients who might have had contact with birds, poultry or their droppings in affected areas and provinces," the spokesman advised.

The spokesman also urged travellers not to visit live poultry markets in the affected areas and provinces and avoid direct contact with poultry, birds and their droppings. If contact has been made, they should thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water.

Members of the public should remain vigilant and are reminded to take heed of the following preventive advice against avian influenza:

• Poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before eating;
• Wash hands frequently with soap, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes, handling food or eating; after going to the toilet or touching public installations or equipment such as escalator handrails, elevator control panels or door knobs; or when hands are dirtied by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing;
• Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, and hold the spit with a tissue and put it into a covered dustbin;
• Avoid crowded places and contact with fever patients; and
• Wear a mask when respiratory symptoms develop or when taking care of fever patients.

The public may visit the CHP's avian influenza page (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/24244.html ) and its website (www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/global_statistics_avian_influenza_e.pdf ) for more information on avian influenza-affected areas and provinces.


Ends/Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Issued at HKT 23:07
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[Giuseppe]

Re: Third confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Hong Kong under CHP investigation - 65 year old man with travel history to Shenzhen (Guangdong)

[Source: Centre for Health Protection, Hong Kong PRC SAR, full page: (LINK).]


Epidemiological investigation and follow-up actions by CHP on confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9)


The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (January 9) provided an update on the confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) affecting a man aged 65.

"The epidemiological investigations, enhanced disease surveillance, port health measures and health education against avian influenza are all ongoing," a spokesman for the DH said.

As of 2pm today, five close contacts and over 90 other contacts had been located.

Close contacts have been put under quarantine for ten days since their last contact with the patient and were prescribed with the antiviral Tamiflu for prophylaxis, followed by ten more days of medical surveillance. They include:

• One family member of the patient; and
• Four patients who stayed in the same cubicle with the patient in Queen Mary Hospital.

All of them have not developed symptoms after contacting the patient. Their respiratory specimens all tested negative for the H7 virus upon preliminary laboratory testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.

Other contacts include another family member of the patient, healthcare workers (HCWs) of relevant healthcare facilities, clients and visitors of such facilities, an officer at border control point (BCP) and the patient's neighbours. They will remain under medical surveillance.

Among them, five developed non-specific symptoms. The respiratory specimens of three of them, including an HCW, tested negative for H7 virus while the result of the remaining two samples are pending.

Locally, enhanced surveillance over suspected cases in public and private hospitals is underway.

"We will remain vigilant and maintain liaison with the World Health Organization (WHO), the Mainland and overseas health authorities. Local surveillance activities will be modified according to the WHO's recommendations," the spokesman said.

"All BCPs have implemented disease prevention and control measures. Thermal imaging systems are in place for body temperature checks of inbound travellers. Random temperature checks by handheld devices will also be arranged. Suspected cases will be immediately referred to public hospitals for follow-up investigation," the spokesman added.

Regarding health education for travellers, distribution of pamphlets, display of posters in departure and arrival halls, in-flight public announcements, environmental health inspection and provision of regular updates to the travel industry via meetings and correspondence are all proceeding.

"We have enhanced publicity and health education against avian influenza. The CHP has also sent letters to government departments and related organisations to reinforce health advice against avian influenza," the spokesman said.

Since the first confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Hong Kong on December 3, the CHP hotline (2125 1111) has been set up for public enquiries. As of 4pm today, 118 calls had been received.

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

Members of the public should remain vigilant and take heed of the preventive advice against avian influenza below:

• Do not visit live poultry markets. Avoid contact with poultry, birds and their droppings. If contact has been made, thoroughly wash hands with soap;
• Poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before eating;
• Wash hands frequently with soap, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes, handling food or eating; after going to the toilet or touching public installations or equipment (including escalator handrails, elevator control panels and door knobs); or when hands are dirtied by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing;
• Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, hold the spit with a tissue and put it into a covered dustbin;
• Avoid crowded places and contact with fever patients; and
• Wear masks when respiratory symptoms develop or when taking care of fever patients.

The public may visit the CHP's avian influenza page (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/24244.html ) and website (www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/global_statistics_avian_influenza_e.pdf ) for more information on avian influenza-affected areas and provinces.


Ends/Thursday, January 9, 2014
Issued at HKT 20:00
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[Giuseppe]

Re: Third confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Hong Kong under CHP investigation - 65 year old man with travel history to Shenzhen (Guangdong)

[Source: Centre for Health Protection, Hong Kong PRC SAR, full page: (LINK).]


Epidemiological investigation and follow-up actions by CHP on confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9)


The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (January 10) provided an update on the confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) affecting a man aged 65.

"The epidemiological investigations, enhanced disease surveillance, port health measures and health education about avian influenza are proceeding," a spokesman for the DH said.

As of 4pm today, the number of close contacts remained at five while there were 98 other contacts.

Close contacts were put under quarantine for 10 days from their last contact with the patient and were prescribed the antiviral Tamiflu for prophylaxis, followed by 10 more days of medical surveillance.

Other contacts remain under medical surveillance. They include another family member of the patient, healthcare workers, clients and visitors of relevant healthcare facilities, an officer at a border control point and the patient's neighbours.

Seven of them developed non-specific symptoms and their respiratory specimens all tested negative for the H7 virus.

"Upon genetic analysis by the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch, genes of the virus from the patient's specimen were determined to be of avian origin. There are no significant differences from H7N9 viruses detected so far on the Mainland and in Hong Kong, nor is there evidence of genetic reassortment with genes of human influenza origin or resistance to the antiviral Tamiflu," the spokesman said.

Since the first confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Hong Kong on December 3, 2013, the CHP's hotline (2125 1111) has been set up for public enquiries. As of 4pm today, 120 calls have been received.

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

Members of the public should remain vigilant and take heed of the preventive advice against avian influenza below:

• Do not visit live poultry markets. Avoid contact with poultry, birds and their droppings. If contact has been made, thoroughly wash hands with soap;
• Poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before eating;
• Wash hands frequently with soap, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes, handling food or eating; after going to the toilet or touching public installations or equipment (including escalator handrails, elevator control panels and door knobs); or when hands are dirtied by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing;
• Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, hold the spit with a tissue and put it into a covered dustbin;
• Avoid crowded places and contact with fever patients; and
• Wear masks when respiratory symptoms develop or when taking care of fever patients.

The public may visit the CHP's avian influenza page (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/24244.html ) and website (www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/global_statistics_avian_influenza_e.pdf ) for more information on avian influenza-affected areas and provinces.


Ends/Friday, January 10, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:28
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[Giuseppe]

Re: Third confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Hong Kong under CHP investigation - 65 year old man with travel history to Shenzhen (Guangdong)

[Source: World Health Organization, full page: (LINK).]


Human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus ? update

Disease outbreak news / 10 January 2014


The Centre for Health Protection, China, Hong Kong SAR, notified WHO on 8 January 2014 of an additional laboratory-confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus.

The patient is a 65-year-old man with underlying illness. He became ill on 3 January and was admitted to hospital on 7 January with a chest infection and transferred to the intensive care unit later that day. He tested positive for avian influenza A(H7N9) virus on 8 January. The patient is currently under isolation and in a critical condition.

The patient had travelled to Shenzhen, Guangdong province, with a family member from 1 to 2 January. They passed by a wet market in Shenzhen on 1 January. In Hong Kong, the patient did not enter a wet market, but may have passed a market entrance in the mornings.

The patient?s close contact has remained asymptomatic and is under quarantine for 10 days since the last contact with the patient. Contact tracing for other contacts, including hospital patients as well as healthcare workers and relevant hospital visitors, are under way. The infection is considered to have occurred outside Hong Kong. The investigation is ongoing.

On 9 January 2014, the National Health and Family Planning Commission of China notified WHO of an additional laboratory-confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus.

The patient is a 51 year old woman from Jiaxing City in Zhejiang Province. She became ill on 28 December and was admitted to the hospital on 6 January. She is currently in critical condition. The source of infection is still under investigation.

The Chinese government continues to take the following surveillance and control measures:

• Strengthen surveillance and situation analysis;
• Reinforce case management and treatment;
• Conduct risk communication with the public and release information;
• Strengthen international collaboration and communication; and
• Conduct scientific studies.

There is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission in regard to these two cases. WHO does not advise special screening at points of entry with regard to these events, nor does it currently recommend any travel or trade restrictions.


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[Biological]

Re: Third confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Hong Kong under CHP investigation - 65 year old man with travel history to Shenzhen (Guangdong)

Epidemiological investigation and follow-up actions by CHP on confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9)

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (January 13) provided an update on the confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) affecting a man aged 65. The patient passed away at 7.02pm tonight.
"The CHP will report this case to the World Health Organization. The epidemiological investigations, enhanced disease surveillance, port health measures and health education about avian influenza are proceeding," a spokesman for the DH said.

As of 4pm today, the number of close contacts remained at five while there were 98 other contacts.

Close contacts were put under quarantine for ten days from their last contact with the patient and were prescribed the antiviral Tamiflu for prophylaxis, followed by ten more days of medical surveillance.

Other contacts remain under medical surveillance. They include another family member of the patient, healthcare workers, clients and visitors of relevant healthcare facilities, an officer at a border control point and the patient's neighbours. Eight of them developed non-specific symptoms. The respiratory specimens of seven of them tested negative for H7 virus while the result of the remaining sample is pending.

Since the first confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Hong Kong on December 3, 2013, the CHP's hotline (2125 1111) has been set up for public enquiries. As of 4pm today, 122 calls have been received.

Additionally, the CHP today received notification of four additional human cases of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Foshan (two cases) from the Health and Family Planning Commission of Guangdong Province, and in Zhejiang (two cases) from the National Health and Family Planning Commission.

As of 9pm today, a total of 169 human cases of avian influenza A(H7N9) have been confirmed in the Mainland, including
Zhejiang (60 cases),
Shanghai (36 cases),
Jiangsu (30 cases),
Guangdong (16 cases),
Jiangxi (six cases),
Fujian (six cases),
Anhui (four cases), Henan (four cases),
Beijing (two cases),
Hunan (two cases),
Shandong (two cases)
and Hebei (one case).....

The public may visit the CHP's avian influenza page (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/24244.html) and website (https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/glo...nfluenza_e.pdf) for more information on avian influenza-affected areas and provinces.


Ends/Monday, January 13, 2014
Issued at HKT 22:32

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Epidemiological investigation and follow-up actions by CHP on confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9)

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201401/13/P201401130602.htm

[Shiloh]

Re: Third confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Hong Kong under CHP investigation - 65 year old man with travel history to Shenzhen (Guangdong) - January 8, 2014- Died

Source: http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/n...ond-h7n9-death


Agence France-Presse January 13, 2014 12:48pm
Hong Kong reports second H7N9 death

A Hong Kong man infected with the deadly H7N9 bird flu died late Monday, less than a week after he was confirmed to be infected with the deadly virus, authorities said.

The 65-year-old man was the second person to die from the virus in Hong Kong, and the third reported case of H7N9 infection...