NewsDesk @bactiman63

Hong Kong health officials report monitoring a human case of avian influenza A(H5N6) in the Mainland.

Image/Robert Herriman

The case involves a 6-year-old girl living in Nanning, Guangxi, who had visited a live poultry market and had exposure to poultry from the market before onset. She developed symptoms on July 30 and was admitted for treatment on August 3. She is in serious condition.

From 2014 to date, 80 human cases of avian influenza A(H5N6) have been reported by Mainland health authorities.

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Avian influenza is caused by those influenza viruses that mainly affect birds and poultry, such as chickens or ducks. Clinical presentation of avian influenza in humans may range from flu-like symptoms (e.g. fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches) to severe respiratory illness (e.g. chest infection). Eye infection (conjunctivitis) and gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g. nausea, vomiting and diarrhea) have also been reported. The incubation period ranges from 7 to 10 days. The more virulent forms can result in respiratory failure, multi-organ failure and even death.