The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) (January 5) received notification of an additional human case of avian influenza A(H5N6) in Fujian from the National Health and Family Planning Commission, and again urged the public to maintain strict personal, food and environmental hygiene both locally and during travel.
 
     The case involved a three-year-old girl, who lived in Sanyuan district of Sanming City, had contact with live poultry before the onset of symptoms on 19th Dec,2017. The patient had recovered after medical treatment and her close contacts remain asymptomatic. 

     "Based on the seasonal pattern of avian influenza viruses, their activity in the Mainland is expected to increase in winter. The public should avoid contact with poultry, birds and their droppings and should not visit live poultry markets and farms to prevent avian influenza," a spokesman for the CHP said.
 
     From 2014 to date, 18 human cases of avian influenza A(H5N6) have been reported by the Mainland health authorities.
 
     "All novel influenza A infections, including H5N6, are notifiable infectious diseases in Hong Kong," the spokesman said.