The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is (August 6) closely monitoring two human cases of avian influenza A(H5N6) in the Mainland, and again urged the public to maintain strict personal, food and environmental hygiene both locally and during travel.

The first case involves a 61-year-old woman living in Guilin in Guangxi, who had prior exposure to a live poultry market before the onset of symptoms. She developed symptoms on July 6, and was admitted for treatment on July 9. The patient is in stable condition.

The second case involves a 65-year-old woman living in Yibin City in Sichuan Province, who had contact with dead poultry before onset. She developed symptoms on July 13, and was admitted for treatment on the same day. The patient is in critical condition.

From 2014 to date, 37 human cases of avian influenza A(H5N6) have been reported by Mainland health authorities.