Health & Community

Second human H7N9 case confirmed

(December 06, 2013)

Centre for Health Protection Controller Dr Leung Ting-hung tonight confirmed the second human case of avian influenza A (H7N9), involving an 80-year-old man who is in stable condition.
 
The man lives in Shenzhen and went to Tuen Mun Hospital from Shenzhen Bay for treatment for an underlying illness on December 3.
 
He developed fever today and tested positive for the virus. He will be transferred to Princess Margaret Hospital for isolation.
Dr Leung said the Government has notified the Shenzhen authorities to follow up, and the centre will continue the contact tracing work.
 
He said the patient has not contacted any previous human confirmed case, and the centre is investigating whether he has been in contact with poultry there.
 
As Hong Kong’s temperature has dropped recently, Dr Leung has expected the human H7N9 case may occur in the coming weeks or months.
 
Despite this, he said there is no evidence the virus can spread from person to person, and the outbreak risk is low.
 
Dr Leung appealed to the public to stay away from poultry and wet markets outside of Hong Kong, and tell doctors their travel history if they fall ill.