Centre for Health Protection Controller Dr Leung Ting-hung confirmed a human H7N9 case tonight, the third in Hong Kong so far.

Dr Leung briefed the media on the case, saying it involves a 65-year-old man who is being isolated in Queen Mary Hospital’s intensive care unit, in critical condition.

He has developed a fever, cough and shortness of breath since January 3, after visiting Shenzhen on January 1 and 2. He was admitted to hospital on January 7 for chest infection.  

His one close contact, who is asymptomatic, will be quarantined for 10 days.

The patient and his close contact passed by a wet market where live poultry was sold in Lo Wu on January 1. It is also known that the patient occasionally passes a market in Sham Shui Po where he lives, however, it is likely to be a case acquired outside Hong Kong, Dr Leung said.

More than 20 H7N9 cases have been confirmed since October, compared to only two cases in the summer months, showing the virus has become more active as the temperature drops, he said.