Gene sequencing results have indicted the influenza-A (H9N2) virus found in a two-month-old girl last month was of avian origin. Re-assortment with genes of human influenza origin has not been found.

The Centre for Health Protection today said the virus is highly similar to the H9N2 virus isolated from another case involving a nine-month-old girl in 2007.

The virus found in the two-month-old girl was sensitive to antiviral medicines Tamiflu and Amantadine.

The girl is being treated in Tuen Mun Hospital for another disease. Her symptoms of H9N2 infection have subsided.

Samples taken from her on January 2 tested negative for H9N2. Her close contacts did not develop symptoms of H9N2 infection.