The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (March 30) closely monitoring an additional human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in the Mainland, 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 Anhui Province, the patient was a 45-year-old man who lives in Xuancheng. He had recent history of contact with poultry and is currently in critical condition.

     "H5 and H7N9 avian influenza viruses can cause severe infections in humans. Due to the seasonal pattern, our risk assessment shows that the activity of avian influenza viruses will continue to remain at a high level. Human H5N6 and H7N9 cases have been recorded in the Mainland in recent months. Locally, birds positive for H5N6 and two imported human cases of avian influenza A(H7N9) were also detected since the end of last year. The public, particularly poultry traders, travellers and those who may visit the Mainland, should be highly alert. Do not visit poultry markets or farms. Avoid poultry contact. We will continue to monitor the regional and global disease situation," a spokesman for the CHP said.

     From 2013 to date, 736 human cases of avian influenza A(H7N9) have been reported by the Mainland health authorities.