The Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection (CHP) received notification from the Ministry of Health (MoH) on the 30th December concerning a suspected human case of influenza A (H5N1) in Shenzhen. The man has unfortunately died.

The 39 year old male had been admitted to hospital on the 25th December because of severe pneumonia, the symptoms of which he’d been suffering from for several days prior to his admission. Officials are concerned because the man didn’t appear to have travelled prior to his illness and it seems he had not had any contact with poultry either.

The preliminary lab test results released by The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention of Guangdong Province were positive for H5N1 virus.

The CHP has announced that they will be maintaining close liaison with the Guangdong Department of Health to monitor the outcome of the patients case, and additionally they intend to heighten vigilance and continue to maintain strict protocols in the ports.

People are reminded to observe the highest hygiene standards possible during this time of heightened alert and the following measures are useful to prevent the spread of infection :

  • 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.

The authorities in China are particularly concerned about the spread of the infection with the holiday season and the Chinese New Year approaching. Since 2003, 573 people have been infected and 336 died from H5N1. The virus generally infects and kills migratory birds, which is also how it spreads, as many birds survive, traveling great distances and infecting poultry farms and local avian life.

Written by Rupert Shepherd