CHP investigating a case of influenza A (H9) infection
Hong Kong (HKSAR) - The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating an imported case of influenza A (H9) infection, a mild form of avian influenza. A spokesman for CHP said today (November 3) that the woman, 47, who lived in Guangdong Province, developed shortness of breath and cough with sputum on October 26. She came to Hong Kong for medical treatment and was admitted to Queen Mary Hospital on October 28.
She is now in stable condition. Influenza A (H9) virus was detected in the patient's respiratory specimen taken on October 29. The patient had an underlying medical condition, requiring regular medication.
As she stayed in Guangdong Province during the whole incubation period, CHP had informed health authority of Guangdong for its follow-up action. The woman is staying in isolation in hospital for further investigation. Her family members are asymptomatic and they have been put under medical surveillance.
The department informed the World Health Organization, the Ministry of Health, and thehealth authorities of Guangdong and Macao of the development, the spokesman said. Influenza A (H9) is an avian influenza virus which has been isolated from duck and chicken for many years. Infection in humans is rare, and appears to present as a mild disease.
This is the sixth time that H9 viruses had been found in humans in Hong Kong. Four girls and a boy were confirmed to have suffered from H9 infection in 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2008 respectively. The spokesman said, "Hong Kong has a comprehensive avian influenza surveillance programme to detect the presence of any avian influenza in our environment and the possible reassortment of the viruses so that prompt responsive measures can be taken." As a precautionary measure, people are reminded to avoid contact with live poultry to minimise the chance of being infected with avian influenza.
"Hands should be washed thoroughly with soap and water after handling live poultry. "To build up good body resistance against influenza, the public are encouraged to maintain a balanced diet, do regular exercise, and have adequate rest. They should not smoke." the spokesman said.
For further information on avian influenza, please visit the CHP website: http://www.chp.gov.hk.
Source: HKSAR Government
Published on: 2009-11-03
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