The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (January 14) closely monitoring 16 additional human cases of avian influenza A(H7N9) notified by the Mainland health authorities, and again urged the public to maintain strict personal, food and environmental hygiene both locally and during travel.

     According to the Health and Family Planning Commission of Guangdong Province, the two cases from Dongguan include a female patient aged 52 and a male patient aged 37 who were hospitalised for treatment in critical and serious conditions respectively.

     The remaining 14 cases (including three deaths) in Fujian (five cases), Jiangsu (four cases), Zhejiang (four cases) and Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (Xinjiang) (one case) were notified by the National Health and Family Planning Commission. The patients include seven men and seven women aged 20 to 83. Apart from the three deaths, the other 11 patients were in critical condition.

     To date, 478 human cases of avian influenza A(H7N9) have been reported by the Mainland health authorities, respectively in Zhejiang (145 cases), Guangdong (121 cases), Jiangsu (63 cases), Shanghai (42 cases), Fujian (28 cases), Hunan (24 cases), Anhui (17 cases), Xinjiang (nine cases), Jiangxi (eight cases), Beijing (five cases), Shandong (five cases), Henan (four cases), Guangxi (three cases), Jilin (two cases), Guizhou (one case) and Hebei (one case).

     "Locally, we will remain vigilant and work closely with the World Health Organization and relevant health authorities to monitor the latest developments," a spokesman for the DH said.

     All boundary control points have implemented health surveillance measures. Thermal imaging systems are in place for body temperature checks on inbound travellers. Suspected cases will be immediately referred to public hospitals for follow-up. The DH´s Port Health Office has enhanced body temperature checks by handheld devices.

     Regarding health education for travellers, the display of posters and broadcasting of health messages in departure and arrival halls, environmental health inspection and provision of regular updates to the travel industry and other stakeholders will be enhanced.

     Travellers, especially those returning from avian influenza-affected areas with fever or respiratory symptoms, should immediately wear masks, seek medical attention and reveal their travel history to doctors. Health-care professionals should pay special attention to patients who might have had contact with poultry, birds or their droppings in affected areas.