CHP closely monitors two human cases of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Henan
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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (January 25) closely monitoring two additional human cases of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Henan, and again urged the public to maintain strict personal, food and environmental hygiene both locally and during travel.
The Health and Family Planning Commission of Henan Province reported that two male patients, aged 59 and 36, have passed away. They were from Luohe and Yongcheng respectively.
"According to a report from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, under the routine environmental surveillance in affected provinces like Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Guangdong, the positive rate of H7N9 among environmental samples collected from live poultry markets or other live poultry-related environments increased in December 2016 and was higher than the rates in the same period in previous years.
A spokesman for the CHP said, "We strongly urge the public to avoid touching birds, poultry or their droppings and visiting poultry markets or farms during travel, particularly in the upcoming Lunar New Year holidays. If feeling unwell, such as having a fever or cough, wear a mask and seek medical advice at once. Travellers returning from affected areas should consult doctors promptly if symptoms develop, and actively inform the doctors of their travel history for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
"Adults and parents should also look after children with extra care in personal, hand, food and environmental hygiene against infections during travel.
"While local surveillance, prevention and control measures are in place, we will remain vigilant and work closely with the World Health Organization and relevant health authorities to monitor the latest developments."
As the H7N9 virus continues to be detected in animals and environments in the Mainland, additional human cases are expected in affected and possibly neighbouring areas. In view of the heavy trade and travel between the Mainland and Hong Kong, further sporadic imported human cases in Hong Kong every now and then are expected, especially in the coming few months.
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