The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health of Hong Kong S.A.R is (January 27) 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 68-year-old man living in Langzhong in Sichuan. He developed symptoms on January 3, and was admitted for treatment on January 4. The patient is in critical condition.

The second case involves a 55-year-old woman living in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, who had exposure to slaughtered poultry before onset. She developed symptoms on January 6, and was admitted for treatment on January 9. The patient is in critical condition.

From 2014 to date, 65 human cases of avian influenza A(H5N6) have been reported by Mainland health authorities.