China hit with human case of avian influenza
Health authorities were alerted to the disease after a 44-year-old man from Hechi, Guangxi passed away on 27 October. The man developed symptoms of avian influenza on 18 October and was hospitalised three days later.
When questioned about his illness in hospital, the man denied that he had contact with live poultry before the onset of the symptoms.
This is the second human case in as many months in Guangxi after a 42-year-old man became infected with H5N6 avian influenza after handling poultry.
The Centre for Health Protection has advised travellers heading to mainland China and other affected areas to avoid visiting wet markets, live poultry markets or farms.
The firm also advised consumers not to purchase live or freshly slaughtered poultry and said they should be alert to the presence of backyard poultry.
Travellers returning from affected areas should consult a doctor promptly if symptoms develop, and inform the doctor of their travel history for prompt diagnosis and treatment of potential diseases.
The Centre for Health Protection said it would be working closely with the World Health Organization and relevant health authorities to monitor the latest developments in the infected areas.
From 2014 to date, 22 human cases of avian influenza A (H5N6) have been reported by China’s mainland health authorities.
