Macau government officials reported this week (computer translated) on a human H9N2 avian influenza case in Guangdong Province.

Image/dinky123uk
Image/dinky123uk

According to the report, the patient is a 24-year-old woman and currently lives in Shenzhen. Symptoms appeared on July 21 and were admitted to hospital on July 23. The condition is now mild.

This is the third human case of H9N2 avian influenza recorded in China this year

In most human cases of avian influenza A(H9N2), the associated disease symptoms have been mild and there has been no evidence of human-to-human transmission. Influenza A(H9N2) viruses are enzootic in poultry populations in parts of Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

Most human cases are exposed to the A(H9N2) virus through contact with infected poultry or contaminated environments. Human infection tends to result in mild clinical illness. Since the virus continues to be detected in poultry populations, further human cases can be expected.

To prevent the spread of influenza A, the Health Bureau appeals to the public to pay attention to the following matters:

  • Avoid places where there are many people, and where there are people selling or displaying birds in markets such as areas where people are infected with the Avian Influenza A;
  • Avoid contact with patients, birds or other animals and their secretions, excretions; if contact, wash hands immediately;
  • Do not eat birds, viscera, blood products and eggs that have not been thoroughly cooked;
  • Pay attention to personal hygiene and wash your hands often;
  • If you have symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, wear a mask, seek medical attention as soon as possible, and detail the history of travel and animal contact to the doctor.


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