The National Health and Family Planning Commission in China is reporting today on an additional human case of avian influenza A(H5N6) in Guangdong.

China /CIA
China /CIA

The case involves a woman aged 40 in Huizhou, Guangdong. She developed fever and cough on February 20 and was admitted to a hospital in Huizhou on February 22. She is now in critical condition. Investigation revealed that the patient had visited live poultry market before onset of symptoms.

From 2014 to date, a total of 10 human cases of avian influenza A(H5N6) have been reported by the Mainland health authorities.

Hong Kong health officials offer the following advise to avoid avian influenza:

  • Do not visit live poultry markets and farms. Avoid contact with poultry, birds and their droppings I
  • If contact has been made, thoroughly wash hands with soap
  • Avoid entering areas where poultry may be slaughtered and contact with surfaces which might be contaminated by droppings of poultry or other animals
  • Poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before eating
  • Wash hands frequently with soap, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes, handling food or eating; after going to the toilet or touching public installations or equipment (including escalator handrails, elevator control panels and door knobs); and when hands are dirtied by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing
  • Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, hold the spit with a tissue and put it into a covered dustbin
  • Avoid crowded places and contact with fever patients
  • Wear masks when respiratory symptoms develop or when taking care of fever patients.

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